(KPL/VNA) Over the past 80 years, the Vietnam News Agency (VNA) has affirmed its role as a key national press agency, providing news for domestic and international media while serving as a bridge to strengthen the great friendship, special solidarity, and comprehensive cooperation between the Parties, States, and peoples of Vietnam and Laos, a leader of Laos has said.

In particular, the VNA bureau in Laos plays a crucial role in facilitating the exchange of information between the two countries, emphasised Bounthong Chitmany, Politburo member, Permanent Member of the Secretariat of the Lao People’s Revolutionary Party (LPRP) Central Committee, and Vice President of Laos, in an interview with a VNA correspondent in Vientiane.

He noted that the great friendship, special solidarity, and comprehensive cooperation between Vietnam and Laos are not only an objective necessity but also a vital factor for both Parties. This relationship is an invaluable asset and a solid foundation for the joint development of both nations.

The Vice President underscored the critical role of information in society, highlighting its power in driving national reform and economic development. Over the years, the VNA bureau in Laos has remained dedicated to gathering and delivering timely, accurate, and comprehensive news in various formats, including articles, photos, and videos. Its coverage spans political, economic, and social affairs in Laos, as well as the Vietnam-Laos and Laos-Vietnam relationship. VNA correspondents in Laos have also prioritised cooperation with Lao media outlets—such as newspapers, radio stations, television networks, and magazines—by sharing experiences and best practices to improve media quality.

Bounthong noted that the VNA bureau, along with other Vietnamese media agencies operating in Laos, plays a key role in disseminating the policies and laws of both countries to the international community. This effort helps to not only attract foreign investment for mutual development but also reinforce the deep-rooted ties between the two countries.

He emphasised that the VNA bureau in Laos has successfully fulfilled this mission, achieving significant results and contributing to the growth of Laos' media industry.

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Samnieng Sengkhiyavong, an editor at the Vietnamese-language division of the Lao National Radio, shared that she frequently accesses Vietnamese news platforms, particularly VNA’s website. She praised VNA’s extensive network of resident bureaus in Vietnam and abroad, which allows it to provide fast, diverse, and timely information. She noted that VNA often publishes global news ahead of other media outlets, making it the fastest among Vietnamese news sources.

She also praised VNA’s crucial role in strengthening Vietnam-Laos relations by frequently reporting on the countries' policies and initiatives and facilitating the bilateral exchange of information.

According to her, VNA’s news is not only swift and timely but also comprehensive, particularly in areas concerning Laos. It covers investment, business activities, and policies, significantly contributing to the advancement of the special Vietnam-Laos relationship.

Meanwhile, Vilavanh Lotsouvanh, a reporter from the Lao News Agency (KPL), shared his experience of working with VNA for over a decade. He often collaborates with VNA journalists, exchanging professional knowledge and receiving support during news coverage. He expressed appreciation for VNA correspondents’ assistance, particularly in sharing photos and information about major events, such as high-level visits by leaders of the two countries' Parties and States, as well as national celebrations in Laos and Vietnam.

Vice President Bounthong expressed his strong belief that in the years ahead, the VNA bureau in Laos will continue to build on its expertise and maintain close cooperation with the Lao media sector to exchanging knowledge and experience to further develop Laos' media landscape and to deepen the ever-growing Vietnam-Laos relationship.

KPL