Women's associations of Hanoi and Vientiane strengthen cooperation

THE HANOI TIMES — The Women's Unions of Hanoi and Vientiane should continue playing a key role in strengthening the close relationship between the two capitals, setting an example for local-level cooperation between Vietnam and Laos.

Vice Secretary of the Hanoi Party Committee Nguyen Van Phong urged such actions during a meeting on May 12 with a Vientiane Women’s Union delegation led by Chairwoman Lienkham Vilaphanh.

At the meeting, Lienkham Vilaphanh stated that the visit aimed to implement the cooperation agreements signed in 2022 between the women's unions of the two capitals, as well as other agreements signed between Hanoi and Vientiane. They will jointly assess the achievements and challenges in implementation and seek directions for mutual support in the coming period.

Vilaphanh affirmed that the cooperation between the two Women’s Unions has grown stronger, especially regarding female leadership training in Vientiane, where Hanoi has provided practical and effective support. She emphasized Hanoi’s valuable contributions to the development of the women’s movement in Vientiane and expected the two unions to strengthen their cooperation and achieve new progress.

Phong said that the delegation’s visit coincides with Vietnam’s solemn commemoration of the 50th anniversary of national reunification. This achievement was made possible, in part, by the support and solidarity of the Lao people.

Phong reflected on key milestones in the special relationship between Vietnam and Laos, saying that in today’s rapidly changing global context, the friendship between the two countries remains a priceless asset that both governments and peoples must preserve and enhance.

In that spirit, Phong reaffirmed Hanoi's commitment to leading by example and making a substantial contribution to the special relationship with Vientiane, strengthening the friendship between Vietnam and Laos.

He noted that the Hanoi Party Committee has consistently directed local agencies and political-social organizations to prioritize relations with Vientiane in the new context.

Phong briefed the guests on Hanoi’s socio-economic development and added that, in today’s complex global landscape, each country and locality must adopt flexible strategies. To this end, Vietnam and Hanoi are streamlining their government apparatuses, promoting science and technology, accelerating digital transformation, and encouraging private sector development through new resolutions. As part of this process, many organizations, including the Women’s Union, are restructuring to create lean, efficient systems that better serve citizens and businesses.

Phong proposed specific areas for enhanced cooperation, including prioritizing mutual support in digital transformation, a key and inevitable trend, and collaborating on initiatives that support women in entrepreneurship and innovation. He also suggested that they share experiences in structural reforms within mass organizations, including the Women's Union, in order to develop appropriate operational models.

He expressed hope that, in the coming period, the Women’s Unions of Hanoi and Vientiane will continue to play a pioneering role in strengthening the close relationship between the two capitals and setting an example for local-level cooperation between Vietnam and Laos.

In response, Vilaphanh confirmed that the Hanoi Vice Party Chief's guidance would provide a solid foundation for future cooperation between the two women's unions. She reiterated that the Vientiane Women’s Union will make every effort to preserve and strengthen the great friendship, special solidarity, and comprehensive cooperation between the brotherly nations of Vietnam and Laos and their capitals, Hanoi and Vientiane.