Vietnam pledges to reinforce ties with Laos

Vientiane, September 19 (VNA) – Vice Chairwoman of Vietnam’s National Assembly Tong Thi Phong declared that Vietnam has always given top priority to deepening the traditional friendship, special solidarity and comprehensive cooperation with Laos. Phong paid a courtesy visit to Chairwoman of Laos’ National Assembly Pany Yathotou in Vientiane on September 18 during her trip to participate in the 35th Assembly of the ASEAN Inter-parliamentary General Assembly (AIPA-35). Phong said the Lao National Assembly had contributed substantially to the success of AIPA-35, as well as the establishment of the ASEAN community and peace and stability in the region. She called upon Laos to continue supporting Vietnam at regional and international forums. With regard to Vietnam hosting the 132nd Assembly of the Inter-Parliamentary Union (IPU-132) in 2015, Phong expressed her hopes to receive the Lao NA’s contributions in preparation of the event’s documentation. She invited the Lao NA Chairwoman to attend the IPU-132 in Hanoi in March 2015, and pay an official visit to Vietnam at the same time. Pany Yathotou thanked the Vietnamese NA for helping Laos organise the AIPA-35. She acknowledged Vietnam’s valuable experience in hosting big international events, as well as in law-making and legal supervision, and said Laos’ NA could learn valuable lessons from Vietnam. The two legislators agreed that the legislative organs of their countries should increase their affiliation, especially with regard to the exchange of information and professional skills, and cooperate closely at inter-parliamentary forums.-VNA