Top Vietnamese legislator holds talks with Lao counterpart

The top Vietnamese legislator welcomed his Lao counterpart Sonexay Siphandone's first official visit to Viet Nam, saying the visit vividly reflects the special bond and trust between the two countries' Parties, States, and legislative bodies, contributing to reinforcing the great friendship, special solidarity, comprehensive cooperation, and strategic cohesion between Viet Nam and Laos.

Sonexay Siphandone reassured that the Party, State and people of Laos always treasure Viet Nam's wholehearted support and assistance for their past struggle for national liberation and current course of national construction, protection, and development.

The two sides agreed to continue close coordination in fruitfully implementing high-level agreements and Viet Nam-Laos cooperation strategy for 2021-2030; step up delegation exchanges and contacts at all levels, promote the role of existing cooperation mechanisms, and foster education about the tradition of special solidarity between Viet Nam and Laos.

Both sides agreed to bolster cooperation between the two legislative bodies; enhance the exchange of experience in law-making, organizing state apparatus, administering local governments, supervising the implementation of high-level agreements and key joint projects; promote cooperation in digital transformation, e-parliament development, and application of new technologies in parliamentary activities.

The two sides agreed to review the Cooperation Agreement signed between the two National Assemblies in May 2022, updating its contents to align with development requirements in the new era, with a view to considering its signing in 2027.

Both sides also agreed to continue close coordination at regional and international inter-parliamentary forums, such as the ASEAN Inter-Parliamentary Assembly (AIPA) and the Inter-Parliamentary Union (IPU); increase information exchange and consultations on position regarding matters of mutual concern, thus contributing to the maintenance of peace, stability, cooperation, and development in the region and the world.

The two sides agreed to coordinate closely in thoroughly preparing for events marking the 65^th founding anniversary of Viet Nam-Laos diplomatic relations and the 50^th anniversary of the signing of the Viet Nam-Laos Treaty on Amity and Cooperation in 2027.

The same day, President of the Lao National Assembly Sonexay Siphandone met with Vietnamese Prime Minister at the Government Office./.