On the evening of October 19, National Assembly Chairman Trần Thanh Mẫn concluded a successful official visit to the Lao People's Democratic Republic and attended the 45th AIPA General Assembly (AIPA-45). This working trip holds special significance in consolidating and enhancing the special relationship between Vietnam and Laos, elevating it to new heights, while also actively and effectively contributing to the activities of AIPA-45.

In the beautiful, peaceful, and hospitable land of Champa flowers, amidst a solemn, sincere, and warm atmosphere, the meetings and talks between National Assembly Chairman Trần Thanh Mẫn and the high-ranking leaders of the Lao People's Democratic Republic exchanged many important topics that are particularly significant for strengthening and enhancing the special solidarity relationship between Vietnam and Laos, developing it to new heights, for the benefit of the people of each country, and contributing to peace, stability, cooperation, and development in the region and the world.

National Assembly Chairman Trần Thanh Mẫn held talks with the Chairman of the National Assembly of the Lao People's Democratic Republic, Saysomphone Phomvihane. The two parliamentary leaders witnessed the signing of a cooperation agreement between the Foreign Affairs Committees of the National Assembly of Vietnam and Laos. This agreement aims to strengthen the oversight of agreements that the two countries have signed in all areas, especially the signing of the intergovernmental cooperation committee between the two countries, to further promote effective and substantive economic, trade, and investment cooperation, commensurate with the already good political relationship between Vietnam and Laos.

 Chairman of the National Assembly Trần Thanh Mẫn and General Secretary, President of Laos Thongloun Sisoulith.

The meetings with senior leaders of Laos, including General Secretary and President Thongloun Sisoulith and Prime Minister Sonexay Siphandone, lasted longer than usual. Both sides exchanged many important issues regarding measures to further strengthen the relationship between the two Parties and the two States.

According to Vũ Hải Hà, Chairman of the Foreign Affairs Committee of the National Assembly: "On the parliamentary channel, the Lao leaders also highly appreciated the cooperation between the two National Assemblies, the two legislative bodies, through sharing experiences, exchanging delegations, and enhancing coordination and collaboration, as well as holding discussions to exchange experiences in legislative work, oversight, and decision-making on important issues. Notably, the Lao side also highly values the experiences that Vietnam has shared with them over the past time regarding amending the Constitution and building laws to serve the renewal process of the Lao People's Democratic Republic in the time to come."

National Assembly Chairman Trần Thanh Mẫn also took time to meet and have friendly conversations with the leaders of the Lao-Vietnam Friendship Association and the Central Front for Lao Build Nation. Chairman of the Lao-Vietnam Friendship Association, Boviengkham Vongdara, affirmed: "The meetings between the leaders of the two countries, both bilaterally and multilaterally, demonstrate a good opportunity for both sides to exchange views, meet each other, and also to direct departments and sectors as well as organizations in both countries to effectively implement the lines, guidelines, and policies of the two countries in cooperation between the two Parties, two States, two governments, and two National Assemblies. This is the best opportunity for the two countries to continue promoting this unique special friendship relationship."

 Chairman of the National Assembly Trần Thanh Mẫn talks with Chairman of the National Assembly of Laos Saysomphone Phomvihane.

The official visit to Laos by National Assembly Chairman Trần Thanh Mẫn, although lasting nearly two days, allowed him and the high-ranking leaders of Laos, including former high-ranking leaders, to exchange many specific and substantive contents aimed at continuing to inherit and consolidate the relationship that the Parties and peoples of both countries have jointly endured through hardships, "breaking salt in half, breaking vegetables in two," overcoming all difficulties to gain independence and freedom.

Vietnamese Ambassador to Laos, Nguyễn Minh Tâm, stated: "It can be said that the official visit to Laos by National Assembly Chairman Trần Thanh Mẫn and the high-ranking delegation of our National Assembly holds significant importance and special meaning for consolidating and enhancing the special solidarity relationship between Vietnam and Laos, developing it to new heights for the benefit of the people of each country, contributing to peace, stability, cooperation, and development in the region and the world."

With a tradition of solidarity, Vietnam and Laos will continue to overcome difficulties, together cultivate the great friendship, special solidarity, and comprehensive cooperation between the two Parties, two States, and the peoples of the two countries to remain ever green, sustainable through the ages, positively contributing to the cause of building and defending the socialist homeland of each country, for peace, stability, cooperation, and development in the region and the world.

Speech of National Assembly Chairman Trần Thanh Mẫn on the Importance of Implementing International Law

The 45th ASEAN Inter-Parliamentary Assembly (AIPA-45) was held at the National Convention Center in Vientiane, Laos, with the participation of delegations from member parliaments, observers, and AIPA development partners. This year’s theme for AIPA is "The Role of Parliament in Strengthening Connectivity and Comprehensive Growth of ASEAN." The conference is taking place in the context of a complicated and unpredictable international situation, posing both intertwined opportunities and challenges, including many critical issues such as conflicts erupting in various locations, climate change, natural disasters, and economic-financial crises. Amid unprecedented difficulties and challenges, cooperation continues to be valued as a prominent trend in relations between countries.

 Chairman of the National Assembly Trần Thanh Mẫn attended the opening session of the 45th ASEAN Inter-Parliamentary Assembly (AIPA-45) in Vientiane, Laos

In his opening speech at the first session on "The Role of Parliament in Strengthening Connectivity and Comprehensive Growth of ASEAN," National Assembly Chairman Trần Thanh Mẫn affirmed that parliamentary cooperation will be a driving force in implementing the construction of an ASEAN Community based on rules, reflecting the voices and aspirations of the people, centering on the people in all development policies, creating comprehensive and profound changes for the community and each member state.

National Assembly Chairman Trần Thanh Mẫn stated: "The National Assembly of Vietnam believes that AIPA, along with ASEAN, should always uphold the spirit of solidarity and unity, enhance the sense of responsibility in contributing to joint efforts to effectively respond to challenges threatening peace, security, and stability in the region, while also contributing effectively and comprehensively to the process of building the ASEAN Community; trusting that with the joint efforts of ASEAN countries, we will continue to strengthen the ASEAN wall to be increasingly solid against all difficulties and challenges of the era."

Listening to the speech of the National Assembly Chairman during this session, Lao National Assembly Vice Chairman Sounthone Xayachack remarked that the speech of National Assembly Chairman Trần Thanh Mẫn was very profound and comprehensive: "The leader of the National Assembly of Vietnam proposed 3 or 4 ideas, which I think are contributions to make this AIPA-45 General Assembly successful, and the Chairman of the National Assembly of Vietnam has made statements that help elevate the importance of implementing international law; the implementation of the Vision 2025 of all ASEAN countries; the cooperation in disaster prevention and control increasingly better; and the continued development of cooperation in various fields, making our ASEAN stronger and becoming a leading force in cooperation, helping ASEAN always develop without leaving anyone behind."

As part of AIPA-45, National Assembly Chairman Trần Thanh Mẫn, the Chairman of the Lao National Assembly, and the Chairman of AIPA-45, Saysomphone Phomvihane, and the Chairman of the National Assembly of Cambodia, Khuon Sudary, held a working breakfast in Vientiane. During this breakfast and working session, the heads of the three National Assemblies shared views and proposals to continue promoting trilateral and bilateral relations.

Also at this inter-parliamentary forum, National Assembly Chairman Trần Thanh Mẫn had bilateral meetings with parliamentary leaders from Singapore, Thailand, and Belarus. These meetings were all held in an open spirit, sharing proposals aimed at further strengthening parliamentary activities.

The official visit to the Lao People's Democratic Republic by National Assembly Chairman Trần Thanh Mẫn and participation in AIPA-45 organized by Laos affirms Vietnam's support for Laos in its role as AIPA Chair, continuing to strengthen the great friendship, special solidarity, and comprehensive cooperation that is unique in the world; at the same time affirming the role of the National Assembly of Vietnam as always proactively and positively contributing substantively to the content of AIPA.