Ba Ria-Vung Tau celebrates Vietnam-Laos friendship

Ba Ria-Vung Tau Vice Chairman Tran Van Tuan receives Laos Consul General Phimpha Keomixay during her courtesy visit to the province on April 24, 2019

The Union of Friendship Organizations of Ba Ria-Vung Tau Province held a "Vietnam-Laos Friendship Exchange" event to mark the 44th anniversary of the National Day of the Lao People's Democratic Republic (December 2, 1975 - December 2, 2019), in Vung Tau city.

Attending the event held on November 29 were Phimpha Keomixay, Consul General of the Laos in Ho Chi Minh City, Tran Van Tuan, Vice Chairman of the Provincial People's Committee, representatives of related departments and agencies, and residents of the province.

Speakers recalled that the close traditional relationship between Vietnam and Laos was founded and strengthened by Vietnamese President Ho Chi Minh, Laos President Kaysone Phomvihane and generations of leaders of the two Parties and States over the last 57 years.

They also noted that in the renovation process of each country, Vietnam and Laos have gained great, historically meaningful achievements in socio-economic development.

The close cooperation between the two countries has been strengthened and expanded in many fields, including politics, economy and trade, science and technology, education, culture, defense and foreign affairs. The political relationship between the two countries has developed on a deep and solid foundation, they said.

Provincial Vice Chairman Tuan expressed his pride on the solidarity, friendship and cooperation established between the two countries and hoped generations of Vietnamese and Lao people would continue to nurture it. This would serve the cause of nation-building and defense in both countries, he said.

He also thanked the Lao Consul General for her interest in supporting the provincial delegation on a working visit to Laos last October. The visit has contributed to promoting the friendship and comprehensive cooperation between Laos - Vietnam in general and Ba Ria-Vung Tau in particular, he said.

Phimpha Keomixay said that until now, the achievements of the Lao people in national defense and construction are inseparable from the support of the Party, Government and people of Vietnam. In addition to expressing her deep gratitude, she also affirmed that the Lao people were committed to stand alongside their Vietnamese brethren in protecting, preserving and promoting their special friendship and solidarity.

Phimpha Keomixay had paid a courtesy visit to Ba Ria-Vung Tau province when she had just taken office as the Consul General of the Laos in Ho Chi Minh City. She affirmed that that she would be a bridge between the two countries and contribute to further strengthening solidarity and friendship, as well as facilitating trade between the two countries. She said she looked forward to learning more about tourism and health services in the province.

Ba Ria-Vung Tau has one licensed project in Laos, implemented by the Ba Ria Rubber Company and Hoa Binh Rubber Joint Stock Company (registered and established in Ba Ria-Vung Tau province). They have invested about VND 500 billion, or 30% of the capital, to implement a project to plant rubber trees in Pakse District, Champasak Province. The investor of this project is the Viet Laos Rubber Joint Stock Company. The project has been cultivating rubber since 2007 and the average latex output reaches 15,000 tons/ year.

The province has granted full scholarships to 3 Lao students studying at the Ba Ria - Vung Tau University.