Vietnam plays an important role in strengthening solidarity and the central role of the bloc, Lao Ambassador Khamphao Ernthavanh stressed. He recalled that Laos holds the rotating presidency of the association in 2024.

The diplomat emphasized that Laos will be the first country that To Lam will visit after being sworn in as new Vietnamese head of State in late May, showing the high importance and priority given by Vietnam to relations with Laos.

During the visit, the two parties will review the progress of cooperation over the years, seek measures to eliminate the difficulties and obstacles they still face, and outline future directions for collaboration with the purpose of further improving it, the official said.

Ernthavanh stated that Hanoi and Vientiane have worked hard to promote cooperation in steadily expanding trade, investment, agriculture and infrastructure development.

Many large-scale projects funded by Vietnam in Laos, especially in the fields of energy, mining and agriculture, not only contribute to national economic growth, but have also created employment opportunities for locals.

In 2023, trade exchange exceeded 1.64 billion dollars, while it reached 620 million dollars in the first four months of this year, a year-on-year increase of more than 10 percent.

Moreover, official development assistance (ODA) projects granted by Vietnam to Laos in recent years, especially those related to sustainable agricultural development in many difficult and remote areas of Laos, have brought practical results for the benefit of social security.

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