President To Lam's state visit to Laos holds significant importance: Lao Ambassador
WVR - According to Lao Ambassador Khamphao Ernthavanh, President To Lam's upcoming state visit to Laos holds significant importance, especially considering that it is his first foreign visit since assuming the position of President.
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| Lao Ambassador to Vietnam Khamphao Ernthavanh. (Source: Lao Embassy in Vietnam) |
On the occasion of President To Lam’s upcoming state visit to Laos, Lao Ambassador to Vietnam Khamphao Ernthavanh gave an interview to The World and Vietnam Report.
Would you please evaluate the significance of President To Lam's upcoming state visit to Laos, especially since this is the first foreign visit in his new position?
President To Lam's upcoming state visit to Laos holds significant importance, especially considering that it is his first foreign visit since assuming the position of President. I would like to raise some significant and outstanding points to see the clear picture:
During the meeting with Ambassadors and Charge d'Affaires of ASEAN countries and Timor-Leste in Hanoi on May 30, 2024, President To Lam emphasized the importance of self-reliance and strategic autonomy for ASEAN. On the occasion of the Lao PDR’s ASEAN Chairmanship 2024, Laos has chosen the theme “ASEAN: Enhancing Connectivity and Resilience.” The focus is strengthening cohesion between economies, promoting self-reliance, and emphasizing ASEAN’s centrality in dealing with geopolitical and economic challenges.
Vietnam has played a crucial role in strengthening solidarity and the central position of ASEAN. Its rapid economic growth contributes to regional economic development. Vietnam actively supports Laos as ASEAN Chairman, reflecting the close ties between the two countries. President To Lam also expressed joy at meeting ASEAN Ambassadors and Charge d'Affaires. Mr. Preident affirmed that ASEAN is a family of close neighbors in Vietnam. His first official visit to Laos reinforces the bonds of friendship and cooperation within the region.
ASEAN remains a leading force for regional peace, stability, and security. Dialogue and cooperation are essential in addressing multi-dimensional, complex, and unpredictable challenges. Laos, as the ASEAN Chair, aims to optimize ASEAN's potential for peace, security, stability, and common prosperity.
To sum up, President To Lam's visit to Laos underscores the importance of ASEAN's unity, self-reliance, and regional cooperation, with Vietnam playing a vital role in these efforts.
In your opinion, what is the most outstanding achievement of Vietnam-Laos relations in more than 6 decades since the establishment of diplomatic relations?
Vietnam-Laos relations have a rich history and are characterized by loyalty, purity, sustainability, and a unique bond between the two countries. Here are some of the outstanding achievements of this special relationship:
Historical connection and independence: The close ties between Laos and Vietnam naturally arise from their geographical proximity, sharing the Mekong River and the Truong Son mountain range. Both countries desired independence and freedom, leading to the formation of the Vietnam Democratic Republic on September 2, 1945, and Lao Issara on October 12, 1945. Major victories of the Laos revolution and the Vietnam-Laos fighting alliance led to the signing of the International Agreement on the Neutrality of Laos on July 23, 1962, recognizing Laos’ independence and sovereignty. Two months later, Laos and Vietnam signed an agreement on diplomatic relations on September 05, 1962, marking a major milestone in modern bilateral ties.
Amity and Cooperation Treaty: In the socio-economic development phase, Laos and Vietnam signed the Amity and Cooperation Treaty on July 18, 1977. This Treaty showcases both countries’ commitments to cooperation and mutual support in national construction and sovereignty protection. Over the past years, the Treaty has become a valuable asset, serving as a solid legal base for expanding special friendship and comprehensive cooperation in various fields, including politics, foreign affairs, security, defense, economy, trade, investment, and education.
Special solidarity and shared prosperity: Vietnam-Laos relations, nurtured by great leaders like President Ho Chi Minh, President Kaysone Phomvihane, and President Souphanouvong, are invaluable assets. Generations of leaders, soldiers, and people have contributed to this unique solidarity relationship. Without the Vietnam-Laos fighting alliance and special solidarity, the struggle for independence in each country would not have come to a victorious end. The subsequent efforts for national defense and construction would not have achieved as significant accomplishments as they have today.
The Vietnam-Laos relationship serves as a symbol of special friendship, loyalty, and shared prosperity. It has withstood the test of time and continues to be a cornerstone for safeguarding national interests in both countries.
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| President To Lam with Lao Ambassador Khamphao Ernthavanh at a meeting with Ambassadors and Chargés d'Affaires of ASEAN countries and Timor-Leste in Hanoi on May 30. |
After receiving an assignment as the Ambassador of the Lao People’s Democratic Republic to Vietnam not long ago, can you share your impressions about the country and people of Vietnam?
As the newly appointed Ambassador of the Lao People's Democratic Republic to Vietnam, I am honoured to share my impressions about this beautiful country and its people.
Vietnam is a nation that captivates with its resilience, rapid economic growth, warm hospitality, rich history, beautiful nature, and cultural heritage.
I look forward to strengthening the bilateral ties between our two nations, fostering cultural exchanges, and promoting mutual understanding. Vietnam's beauty and spirit continue to inspire me, and I am eager to contribute to our shared journey toward peace, prosperity, and friendship.
In the next term, what priorities will you give to promote the great friendship, special solidarity, and comprehensive cooperation between Vietnam and Laos?
In the next term, with the priorities to promote great friendship, special solidarity, and comprehensive cooperation between Vietnam and Laos, I would like to share some points of view:
Trade and investment cooperation: Both nations will work towards promoting trade and investment cooperation. Strengthening economic ties will lead to shared prosperity and development.
Transport connectivity: Improving transport connectivity between the two economies is essential for the efficient movement of goods, people, and ideas. This will facilitate economic growth and regional integration.
Education and culture: Collaboration in education and culture will deepen mutual understanding and appreciation of each other's heritage. People-to-people exchanges will strengthen the bonds between Vietnamese and Laotian communities.
Building a peaceful and friendly border: Efforts will be made to cooperate and build a peaceful and friendly Vietnam-Laos border. This initiative is crucial for maintaining stability and good relations between the neighboring countries.
Information and communication cooperation: The two countries will continue to organize important cooperation programs, including information and communication cooperation between the Ministry of Defense of Vietnam and Laos. This collaboration aims to enhance communication channels and strengthen bilateral understanding.
Scientific cooperation and exchanges: Enhancing exchanges and scientific cooperation will foster knowledge sharing and expertise development between Vietnam and Laos. Collaborative research and academic partnerships will contribute to mutual growth and progress.
These priorities reflect the commitment of both Vietnam and Laos to nurturing their special relationship and ensuring long-lasting cooperation for the benefit of their people.
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| Lao Ambassador Khamphao Ernthavanh (3rd from left) at the 2023 International Food Festival. (Photo: Tuan Viet) |
