On behalf of the Consulate General of the Lao People's Democratic Republic (Lao PDR) in Ho Chi Minh City, Ms. Phimpha Keomixay thanked the leaders of Can Tho city for solemnly organizing the meeting to celebrate the 60th anniversary of Vietnam-Laos diplomatic relations (September 5th, 1962 - September 5th, 2022) and the 45th anniversary of the Vietnam-Laos Treaty of Friendship and Cooperation (July 18th, 1977 - July 18th, 2022) that took place on the evening of September 4th in Can Tho city; thereby, contributing to tightening the friendship and solidarity, and the traditional relationship between the two nations.

Consul General Phimpha Keomixay said that from 2019 to now, five high-ranking Lao delegations have visited and worked in Can Tho city because Can Tho city shares many similarities with some localities of Laos, especially in terms of natural conditions. However, the climate is very favorable for agricultural development. Ms. Phimpha Keomixay hoped that in the coming time, Can Tho city and some localities of Laos would promote cooperation in many fields such as agriculture, education - training, investment, economic development, technology transfer, etc. As a result, this will contribute to tightening the friendship, solidarity, and mutual understanding between the two peoples.

At the reception.

At the reception, Mr. Nguyen Thuc Hien, Vice Chairman of the People's Committee of Can Tho city, expressed his delight to welcome the Lao Consul General Phimpha Keomixay after her successful business trip to Can Tho City together with the high-ranking delegation of Champasak province led by Mr. Vilayvong Bouddakham, Member of the Party Central Committee, Secretary of the Provincial Party Committee, the Governor of Champasak Province from August 24th to August 25th.

The year 2022 is of great significance for Vietnam and Laos, marking the 60th anniversary of the two countries' establishment of diplomatic relations (September 5th, 1962 - September 5th, 2022), the 45 anniversary of the signing of the Treaty of Friendship and Cooperation between Vietnam and Laos (July 18th, 1977 - July 18th, 2022) and also the Vietnam-Laos Solidarity and Friendship Year. Vice Chairman Nguyen Thuc Hien said: “We are very proud when the great friendship, special solidarity and comprehensive cooperation between the Party, State and people of the two countries Vietnam - Laos have become exemplary relationship in international relations. The spirit of solidarity, loyalty, and mutual support is one of the factors that help increase strength and contribute to the victory of the two countries in the cause of national defense and construction”.

Mr. Nguyen Thuc Hien, Vice Chairman of the People's Committee of Can Tho city, presented a gift to Ms. Phimpha Keomixay, Consul General of the Lao People's Democratic Republic (Lao PDR) in Ho Chi Minh City.

Can Tho city and Savannakhet Province and Champasak Province (Laos) have had a very good cooperative relationship over the years. In 2009, Can Tho signed a Memorandum of Understanding with Savannakhet province to cooperate in the fields of Economy, Industry, Agriculture, Education and Training, Trade, Tourism. In 2011, Can Tho signed a Memorandum of Understanding with Champasak province on cooperation in such fields as Economy - Trade; aquaculture; agriculture and rural development; education and training; tourism, etc. Up to now, Can Tho city and the two provinces of Laos have effectively implemented the signed contents.

On that basis, Vice Chairman Nguyen Thuc Hien hoped that Lao Consul General Phimpha Keomixay would continue to act as a bridge to promote friendship, cooperation, and cultural exchange activities between the two countries in general, Can Tho city and Laos’ localities in particular, especially Savannakhet and Champasak provinces in order to strengthen mutual understanding between the people of the two countries and further enhance cooperation between localities; create favorable conditions for Lao and Can Tho delegations and businesses to exchange experiences and promote collaboration in multi-fields namely agriculture, tourism, economic development, etc.