Vietnam president announces $1M gift to Laos

The gift was announced as the Vietnamese president and Lao President and Party Secretary Thongloun Sisoulith co-chaired a meeting between the two countries' delegations, Vietnam's Ministry of Foreign Affairs said in a statement.

The two leaders stressed the importance of increasing cooperation, support and exchange of experience amid complicated developments in the region and the world.

They affirmed a consistent policy of giving utmost priority to the consolidation of the great friendship, special unity and comprehensive cooperation between Vietnam and Laos.

They agreed to construct historical sites promoting Vietnam and Laos relationship, including a Laos-Vietnam Friendship Park in Vientiane.

Vietnam President Vo Van Thuong (L) with Lao President and Party Secretary Thongloun Sisoulith in Vientiane, Laos, April 10, 2023. Photo by VNA

The two leaders also agreed to boost security and defense cooperation, especially in border management.

They said Vietnam and Laos will continue their work to search for and return remains of Vietnamese experts and voluntary solders who died in Laos.

On economic grounds, the two countries will continue exchange experience in marcro-economic management, fighting and preventing corruption, upgrade border gates and roads to facilitate trade, the two leaders said.

They also signed agreements on cooperation in technology, innovation and science.

President Thuong, who is in Laos for a two day visit, also met with Lao Prime Minister Sonexay Siphandone at the PM's Office and Lao National Asssembly Chairman Saysomphone Phomvihane at Laos' National Assmbly House, which is also a gift from Vietnam.

Vietnam and Laos established diplomatic relations in September 1962, and raised the "traditional friendship" to "great friendship" in February 2019.

Vietnam is investing around $4.7 billion in 219 projects in Laos, making it Laos' third largest foreign investor after China and Thailand.

Bilateral trade last year increased 25% to around $1.7 billion.

Around 14,000 Lao students are studying in Vietnam.