Lao Media Highlights Historic Impact of Vietnamese Party Leader’s Visit
Lao media played a pivotal role in covering the historic state visit of General Secretary of the Communist Party of Vietnam, Tô Lâm, to Laos. This visit took place at the invitation of Thongloun Sisoulith, the General Secretary of the Lao People’s Revolutionary Party and President of Laos, marking a significant diplomatic event.
Lao Media Coverage Highlights
Major newspapers and media outlets, including Pasaxon, Pathetlao, Vientiane Times, Kongthap, Public Security newspaper, Vientiane Mai, and Lao National Radio, provided extensive reports on the visit. They described the occasion as a landmark moment aimed at enhancing friendship and cooperation between Vietnam and Laos.
Key Themes from the Visit
- Affectionate Reception: The warm welcome in Vientiane underscored the deep bonds shared between the two nations, rooted in shared history.
- Commemorative Year Planning: Both parties agreed to commence preparations for the Việt Nam-Laos and Laos-Việt Nam Friendship and Solidarity Year in 2027, celebrating 65 years of diplomatic relations and 50 years of their Treaty of Amity and Cooperation.
- Strategic Solidarity: The articles conveyed a strong message about the historical reality of their special solidarity, highlighting the visit as a significant diplomatic achievement.
Outcomes of the Visit
One of the most notable outcomes was the shared commitment to enhance cooperation across various sectors:
- Political Cooperation: Emphasis on high-level exchanges and sharing best practices in governance.
- Defence and Security: Cooperation aimed at maintaining political stability and fostering peaceful borders.
- Economic Development: Initiatives to boost trade and investment against the backdrop of a strong bilateral relationship.
- Cultural Exchange: Long-term efforts focused on human resource development.
- Infrastructure Projects: Strategic projects aimed at making tangible improvements in both nations.
Infrastructure and Education Initiatives
The visit culminated in the signing of six significant agreements. Noteworthy projects include:
- Construction of the Laos-Việt Nam Friendship University.
- Development of the Vientiane–Thakhaek–Vung Ang railway for better trade access.
- A 500kV transmission line connecting northern Laos and northern Vietnam.
- Over 200-kilometre Laos-Việt Nam Friendship Road along the border.
These initiatives aim to strengthen economic ties and raise bilateral trade to an ambitious US$5 billion soon.
Educational Collaboration
Public sentiment in Laos reflected approval for the over 16,000 Lao students currently studying in Vietnam. This educational exchange is seen as a long-term investment that fosters enduring friendships between generations.
Regional Cooperation
The visit also highlighted the importance of collaboration at multilateral forums like ASEAN and the UN. Close ties between the two nations contribute to regional stability and enhance their international status.
Overall, the visit of General Secretary Tô Lâm was a historic event, reinforcing Vietnam and Laos’s commitment to a future built on friendship, cooperation, and mutual growth.
