Hanoi, Vientiane to acclerate cooperation in education, transport and people exchange

THE HANOI TIMES — Collaboration in education, transport and people-to-people exchange are the backbones to build more prosperous Hanoi-Vientiane relations, heard a meeting on September 3 between the two cities' Party chiefs.

Secretary of the Hanoi Party Committee Bui Thi Minh Hoai proposed that the two capitals review their collaborative activities in 2022-2025, and renew the partnership for the upcoming time with practical and concrete programs.

She recommended that the two cities focus on agricultural cooperation, vocational and official training, youth exchanges and education.

Vientiane Party Secretary Anouphap Tounalom expected to strengthen partnerships with Hanoi in areas where both capitals hold potential, especially in education, road connectivity and sustainable economic investment.

The Lao official suggested maintaining high-level exchanges and delegation visits at various levels and harness the implementation of signed agreement to enhance the effectiveness of cooperation.

He also proposed that Hanoi lift annual scholarship quotas for Vientiane students, and in return, Vientiane provide support in Lao language teaching for Hanoi trainees.

Tounalom also called for close coordination in celebrating the 65th anniversary of Vietnam–Laos diplomatic relations and the 50th anniversary of the Treaty of Friendship and Cooperation.

According to Party Secretary Hoai, Hanoi has sustained positive growth despite global uncertainties. The city has adopted the two-tier local government model for two months, making public administrative activities friendlier, better and closer to its citizens.

Local wards, communes and government agencies of Hanoi have also completed their Party congresses. The city is now preparing for the 18th Party Congress of Hanoi, an event slated for October 2025 to map out primary development orientations in following years.

“2025 will mark the continued implementation of the Hanoi–Vientiane cooperation agreement through diverse and effective initiatives,” she said.

For his part, Vientiane Party Secretary Tounalom commended Hanoi’s recent achievements, and shared updates on Vientiane’s situation.

He noted that 2025 will also be a historic year for Laos and its capital with the 70th anniversary of the Lao People’s Revolutionary Party in March, preparations for the 50th National Day of the Lao PDR, and the 100th birth anniversary of President Kaysone Phomvihane.

Both Party chiefs of Hanoi and Vientiane agreed to boost the cooperation between the two capital cities and the two countries. They also acknowledged and praised the past efforts made to ensure their friendship and brotherhood.

Secretary Hoai said that Hanoi is committed to further developing its close partnership and assistance with Vientiane, thereby contributing to the development of both nations, the region, and the world.

“In the time ahead, the two capitals will continue to uphold their commitments, promote sustainable projects that leverage each side’s strengths, and build on their tradition of a close friendship,” she said while welcoming Tounalom on the occasion of the 80th National Day of Vietnam.

“Hanoi and Vientiane will achieve further milestones in cooperation, making positive contributions to the special Vietnam–Laos friendship, which continues to grow, remain evergreen and endure for generations,” said Hoai.

On this occasion, she also expressed appreciation to the Vientiane authorities for recommending that the Lao Party and State award the Second-Class Development Order to Hanoi.