On December 2, General Secretary To Lam visited and wished good health to former General Secretary and former President of Laos Choummaly Sayasone and former General Secretary and former President of Laos Bounhang Volachit.
Former Lao senior leaders expressed their excitement and honor to meet General Secretary To Lam again, saying they are always interested in the cooperation situation between Laos and Vietnam, and were pleased to see the relationship between the two countries continue to develop strongly, and strategic projects continue to be implemented.
The General Secretary shared his impression of the solidarity among the people, the wiseness of the Lao People's Revolutionary Party, and the strength of the armed forces when witnessing the 50th anniversary of the Lao National Day.
General Secretary To Lam shared that during this visit, the two sides agreed to elevate the Vietnam - Laos relationship to the level of "Grand Friendship, Special Unity, Comprehensive Cooperation, Strategic Cohesion", demonstrating a common vision and intertwined strategic benefits, long-term companionship orientation for the common self-reliance and prosperity of the two peoples.
Former Lao leaders emphasized that Vietnam is always a friend behind the scenes, standing side by side with Laos during the most difficult periods as well as in the current renovation and development process.
Former Lao leaders emphasized that they will always preserve the most intimate memories and feelings for the country and people of Vietnam, and at the same time hoped that the next generations of leaders will continue to nurture this special relationship, constantly improve the effectiveness of cooperation and implement bilateral agreements and arrangements; especially emphasizing the importance of education and propaganda for the people, especially the younger generations of the two countries, about the longstanding tradition of the close relationship between the two peoples of Laos and Vietnam.
General Secretary To Lam respectfully thanked the valuable assessments, feelings and contributions of former Lao leaders; affirmed that the Party, State and people of Vietnam always attach importance to and give the highest priority to preserving and developing the special relationship between Vietnam and Laos; committed to effectively implementing the agreements reached with Laos, especially the strategic orientations in economic cooperation, defense - security, culture, education and infrastructure connection and new contents just achieved after the high-level talks.
The General Secretary informed former Lao leaders about the high-level meeting between the two Parties held on the afternoon of December 2 and immediately after that, the two countries will hold an intergovernmental Committee meeting on the morning of December 3 to deploy the results achieved from the high-level talks.
The General Secretary believes that the two countries have every basis to promote better relations, increase trade turnover to 5 billion USD in the near future and towards 10 billion USD in the coming time; agreed to strategically connect, connect transport infrastructure, air roads, railways, and sea roads; connect energy, especially renewable energy, clean energy; promote training of staff, and strengthen cooperation in science and technology.
