Vietnamese State President Vo Van Thuong, along with a high-ranking delegation of Vietnamese officials, traveled to Laos for an official visit to the neighboring nation on Monday morning, marking his first international trip since he took office in early March. 

The visit was made at the invitation of General Secretary of the Lao People’s Revolutionary Party Central Committee and President of Laos Thongloun Sisoulith, said the Vietnamese Ministry of Foreign Affairs.

Some major Lao newspapers such as Pasaxon -- the official organ of the Lao People’s Revolutionary Party -- and PathetLao of the Lao News Agency covered the warm welcome to State President Thuong in their Monday issue. 

These newspapers affirmed that the official visit would succeed and contribute to deepening bilateral ties.

Among the members of President Thuong’s entourage are Le Khanh Hai, Chairman of the Presidential Office of Vietnam, Bui Thanh Son, Minister of Foreign Affairs, Huynh Thanh Dat, Minister of Science and Technology, Tran Sy Thanh, chairman of the Hanoi People’s Committee, Duong Quoc Hung, assistant to the state president, Tran Van Tuy, chairman of the Vietnam - Laos Friendship Association and Ambassador of Vietnam to Laos Nguyen Ba Hung, reported the Vietnam News Agency.

Besides, the leaders of the Ministries of National Defence, Public Security, Planning and Investment, and Education and Training are accompanying President Thuong during the two-day visit.

Participation in multiple events in Laos

During his Laos visit, President Thuong is scheduled to attend a welcome ceremony and a seminar, and witness the signing of cooperation deals.

In addition, he will meet the Lao prime minister and president of the Lao National Assembly, as well as some high-ranking officials of Laos.

The Vietnamese state president will also visit the Vietnamese Embassy in Laos and meet some representatives of the Vietnamese community in Laos.

The relationship between Vietnam and Laos is extremely special and has been established and developed for ages, through the length of history, said Deputy Minister of Foreign Affairs Do Hung Viet.

The two countries joined hands in fights for national independence in the past and have closely partnered to boost their economic growth and national sovereignty protection.

“Given their in-depth partnership and friendship, Vietnamese State President Vo Van Thuong selected Laos for his inaugural foreign trip as head of state," said Viet.

"This demonstrates Vietnam always attaches much importance to its relationship with Laos.”

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