Deputy Chairman of the National Assembly Tran Thanh Man suggested that in the new term, the Vietnam-Lao Friendship Association continue to be thorough, grasp foreign policy lines, high-level agreements of the two parties, the State of Viet Nam-Lao, use creatively, have appropriate models and ways of doing things; strengthen education, propaganda among the people, especially the younger generation of the two countries about the special Vietnam - Laos relationship.

On October 9, in Hanoi, in Hanoi, the National Assembly, the National Assembly Organization Organization Organization of the VietNam - Laos.

The congress honored General Secretary Nguyen Phu Trong with a congratulatory bouquet.

Politburo Commissioner, Deputy Chairman of the National Assembly Standing Committee, Chairman of the Vietnam-Lao Friendship Parliament Tran Thanh Man attended and gave a speech directing the Congress.

Co-Chairman Phan Anh Son of the Union of Vietnam Friendship Organizations; Central Commissioner of the Lao Revolutionary People's Party, Minister of Technology and Communication, President of the Lao-Vietnam Friendship Association Bovengkham Vongdara; Lao Ambassador to Viet Nam Sengnung Phong Phet. Attending the Congress, there were 150 representatives from provinces, cities and associations.

Speaking at the opening of the congress, Tran Van Tuyen, Chairman of the Vietnam-Lao Friendship Association, said: "The past term has witnessed many important events in Vietnam-Lao relations: 55 years, 60 years of diplomatic relations; 40 years and 45 years of signing the Treaty of Friendship and Cooperation. The year 2017 and 2022 are defined by the two countries as the Year of Solidarity and Friendship in Vietnam - Laos. Against this backdrop, the Vietnam-Lao Friendship Association has conducted a variety of diverse and rich activities, contributing to strengthening and strengthening great friendship, special solidarity and comprehensive cooperation between the two countries. Outstanding are large-scale people's exchange activities, activities under the theme of "following the footsteps of leaders", "source", activities towards the younger generation of the two countries, strengthening and expanding the association…

Delegates at the Congress heard the Report summarizing the work of the 4th Vietnam - Laos Friendship Association, term 2014 - 2023, and the work direction of term V, term 2023 - 2028, as well as presentations., reporting on the personnel of the Executive Committee and Inspection Committee of the Association, Session V; negotiated to elect the Executive Committee and Inspection Committee of the Association, Session V; Conducted the first meeting of the Executive Committee, Session V;

Standing Vice Chairman of the National Assembly Tran Thanh Man spoke at the Congress on behalf of the Party and State leaders, praising, recognizing, and appreciating the significant achievements made by the Vietnam-Laos Friendship Association during the previous term. According to Tran Thanh Man, Standing Vice Chairman of the National Assembly, Vietnam and Laos are two close neighbors who share the same desire for peace and the tenacity to fight for independence and freedom. Looking back on the past heroic historical journey, we can be proud of the formation and development of the special and rare relationship established by President Ho Chi Minh and Laos between the two peoples of Vietnam and Laos. President Kaysone Phomvihan established, and generations of leaders and people in the two countries have respected, cherished, and diligently nurtured, a unique friendship. Despite the fact that the world and regional situations have become more complicated in recent years, and each country's situation has had its own set of difficulties and challenges, the two countries' friendly relationship has improved thanks to their efforts and determination. The Vietnam-Laos relationship is evolving into a great friendship, special solidarity, and comprehensive cooperation.

Reviewing some of the associations' outstanding activities over the past term, the Deputy Chairman of the National Assembly is pleased to note that the association's activities have contributed to strengthening the foundation of friendly relations, strengthening international solidarity, and deepening relations between the People of Vietnam and Laos.

People-to-people diplomacy must be strongly promoted in the current context as one of the three pillars of comprehensive and modern Vietnamese diplomacy, as well as its pivotal role in building and consolidating friendship and social foundations. The Standing Vice Chairman of the National Assembly emphasized this, stating that the Party and State of Vietnam have always valued the position and role of the Vietnam-Laos Friendship Association in the process of building and developing the country.

In agreement with the Report's directions, tasks, and solutions, Standing Vice Chairman of the National Assembly Tran Thanh Man proposed that the Association continue to thoroughly understand and master foreign policy guidelines and agreements in the new term. High levels of the two Parties and States of Vietnam and Laos use creativity and flexibility, and have appropriate models and methods; further promote education and propaganda about the special relationship between Vietnam and Laos among the people, particularly the young generation of the two countries.

The Association focuses on organizational development, training, fostering, and team building; actively recruit outstanding individuals and relevant organizations to participate in people-to-people diplomacy activities using new methods of operation, while also widely utilizing information technology; Utilize effective coordination with relevant ministries and branches; Strengthen coordination with the Vietnamese National Assembly's Vietnam-Laos Parliamentary Friendship Group, Young Parliamentarians Group, and Women Parliamentarians Group to develop and implement diverse and practical activities.

Associations at all levels throughout the country, particularly in border provinces, deepen friendship and cooperation between the two sides by organizing more cultural exchange activities and exchanges with young generations. , education, resource development, healthcare, information technology, environmental protection…

On this occasion, the Vice-Chairman of the National Assembly asked all levels of Party committees, provincial and municipal authorities to pay attention and create satisfactory conditions for the local Vietnam-Lao Friendship Association to operate efficiently; research and establish associations in unorganized localities.

Speaking at the Congress, Chairman of the Laos-Vietnam Friendship Association Boviengkham Vongdara praised the Vietnam-Laos Friendship Association's work results in the previous term, which actively promoted its diplomatic role. people. According to the Chairman of the Laos - Vietnam Friendship Association, in recent times, the Vietnam - Laos Friendship Association and the Laos - Vietnam Friendship Association have closely coordinated in carrying out functions and tasks, as well as implementing operations in a variety of creative forms, contributing to the cultivation of great friendship, special solidarity, and comprehensive cooperation between Laos - Vietnam and Vietnam - Laos.

The Chairman of the Laos-Vietnam Friendship Association wishes that the two Associations continue to work closely together and organize many practical and effective activities, such as propaganda and education, so that the people of the two countries have a better understanding of the history of the formation of friendship, faithfulness, and pure solidarity between the two peoples, as a foundation for future generations of the two countries. Continue to preserve and promote together, particularly by contributing to the special relationship between Laos and Vietnam, which bears fruit indefinitely, is evergreen, and eternal.

The Vietnam-Laos Friendship Association's Executive Committee and Inspection Committee were elected by the Congress for term V, 2023-2028. Mr. Nguyen Dac Vinh, Member of the Party Central Committee, Member of the National Assembly Party Committee, Member of the National Assembly Standing Committee, Chairman of the National Assembly's Culture and Education Committee, has been elected Chairman of the Vietnam Friendship Association - Laos for term V, 2023-2028.

Tran Thanh Man, Standing Vice Chairman of the National Assembly, presented the Friendship Medal of the State of Vietnam to 15 leaders, former leaders, and members of the Laos-Vietnam Friendship Association during the Congress, recognizing their active contributions. Vietnam and Laos have been proactive in promoting their special friendship, solidarity, and comprehensive cooperation.

At the Congress, Chairman of the Laos - Vietnam Friendship Association Boviengkham Vongdara awarded the First Class Labor Medal of the Lao State to President of the Vietnam - Laos Friendship Association Tran Van Tuy; the Friendship Medal of the Lao State to 14 individuals; and the Friendship Medal of the Lao State to three members and former members of the Vietnam - Laos Friendship Association.

On this occasion, the Vietnam Union of Friendship Organizations presented a souvenir flag to Chairman of the Culture and Education Committee Nguyen Dac Vinh and four members of the Congress Presidium; and awarded the Medal for Peace and Friendship among Peoples to 12 members of the Vietnam - Laos Friendship Association who have made outstanding achievements in the Vietnamese people's foreign affairs with Laos in the previous term.