A Hanoi delegation, led by Mr. Tran Sy Thanh, Member of the CPV Central Committee and Chairman of the Hanoi People’s Committee, paid an official visit to Mr. Anouphap Tounalom, Secretary of the Vientiane Party Committee and Chairman of the Vientiane People’s Council. The delegation also held bilateral discussions with Vientiane Mayor Atsaphangthong Siphandone. This visit took place alongside the delegation’s participation in the 2024 ASEAN Capitals Mayors Meeting (MGMAC) and the ASEAN Mayors Forum (AMF), held in Vientiane from September 17 to 19.

During the reception, Mr. Anouphap Tounalom warmly welcomed the delegation, expressing his heartfelt appreciation on behalf of the Party Committee, People’s Council, and citizens of Vientiane. He stressed that the visit was an important contribution to further enhancing the profound friendship, special solidarity, and comprehensive cooperation between the two capitals and the two nations. Mr. Anouphap also highlighted the significance of the visit, as Vientiane is currently focused on implementing its 11th Party Congress Resolution and preparing for the rollout of the 17th Party Congress Resolution of the Vientiane Party Committee.

In his discussions with the delegation, Mr. Anouphap shared an overview of Vientiane's recent political, economic, and social developments. He elaborated on the city's ongoing efforts to stimulate industrial and handicraft production, generate domestic revenue, improve product quality, and expand both domestic and international markets. These initiatives are also closely linked to enhancing human resource training, advancing modern technology applications, and fostering environmental sustainability.

He expressed hope for stronger, more substantive cooperation between the two capitals, emphasizing the aspiration for Hanoi and Vientiane to become a model of local-level collaboration between Laos and Vietnam.

Mr. Tran Sy Thanh, in response, underscored the robust and continuously growing relationship between the two capitals. He particularly highlighted the successful implementation of the 2022-2025 Cooperation Agreement between the Party Committees and governments of Hanoi and Vientiane. Under this agreement, nine specialized agencies from both sides have signed cooperation agreements across various fields, including economics, education, training, culture, and development. These agreements have allowed both capitals to share experiences and support each other in professional matters while implementing cooperative programs and projects across several sectors.

Mr. Thanh also congratulated Vientiane on its notable achievements in national construction and development, as well as its progress in enhancing the capital city. He emphasized that both Vietnam, and Hanoi in particular, look forward to further strengthening cooperation with Vientiane across all areas, with an enduring commitment to mutual support. Hanoi will continue to prioritize and allocate resources to effectively implement bilateral agreements, fostering the development of both capitals and contributing to the overall stability and growth of Southeast Asia.

In their bilateral discussions, the Hanoi and Vientiane delegations provided updates on their respective socio-economic progress and shared valuable experiences and lessons in capital development. Both sides expressed optimism about future cooperation, aiming to strengthen ties even further in the years to come.