(KPL) Prime Minister Sonexay Siphandone joined his Vietnamese counterpart Pham Minh Chinh in concluding the celebration of the Laos-Vietnam Solidarity and Friendship Year 2022 in Vientiane on Jan 11.

Other Party and government leaders along with civil servants, military and police personnel, representatives of mass organizations and students of Laos and Vietnam were also present at the closing ceremony held at the National Convention Centre, Vientiane.

Videos were screened highlighting historic events and celebrations dedicated to the Laos-Vietnam Solidarity and Friendship Year 2022, as a series of cultural shows were performed to highlight the great relations, special solidarity and comprehensive cooperation between the two fraternal Parties, governments and peoples of Laos and Vietnam.

Addressing a press conference held right after the closing ceremony for the Solidarity and Friendship Year, Prime Minister Sonexay noted the success of his bilateral meeting with his Vietnamese counterpart earlier on the same day as well as the successfully organized activities of the Laos-Vietnam Solidarity and Friendship Year 2022.

Prime Minister Sonexay Siphandone (R) and Vietnamese Prime Minister Pham Minh Chinh in Vientiane on Jan 11

“The bilateral meeting between the two Prime Ministers of Laos and Vietnam was conducted in a amicable, frank, sincere manner and was very successful with both sides reviewing their comprehensive cooperation over the past years and laying out cooperation directions for years to come, and signing 10 cooperation agreements covering various areas.

He noted that the visit to Laos by the Vietnamese PM’s delegation was highly meaningful as it took place during the joyful celebration of the Solidarity and Friendship Year 2022 that featured two historic events including the 60th anniversary of the establishment of the Laos-Vietnam diplomatic ties and the 45th anniversary of the signing of Laos-Vietnam Treaty of Amity and Cooperation.

Since the launch of the Laos-Vietnam Solidarity and Friendship Year 2022 in early 2022 in Hanoi, Vietnam, both sides held many activities to celebrate the year in their respective countries and abroad with up to 115 exchange visits conducted at all levels, including 51 visits by the Lao side and 64 visits by Vietnamese officials.

Many activities have been also jointly organized to promote economy, trade, investment, culture and education.

Remarkably, on July 18, the two countries held a general meeting to mark the Solidarity and Friendship Year in their respective capital cities in the participation of senior leaders and the masses, along with the Laos-Vietnam Cultural Week.

KPL