Vietnam state president announces $3mn hospital gift to Laos

The Vietnamese leader made the announcement during talks with General Secretary of the Lao People's Revolutionary Party Central Committee and President of Laos Thongloun Sisoulith on Thursday, following an official welcoming ceremony in Vientiane, according to Vietnam’s Ministry of Foreign Affairs.

Sisoulith warmly welcomed Cuong’s first visit in his new role, saying it reflects the importance that the Vietnamese Party, state, and president personally attach to the great friendship, special solidarity, and comprehensive cooperation with Laos.

During their talks, the two leaders reflected on the long-standing mutual support between their countries and peoples.

Sisoulith reaffirmed his readiness to work closely with Cuong and other Vietnamese leaders to further advance the unique bilateral relationship between the two countries.

On this occasion, President Cuong announced that the Vietnamese Party, state, and people have decided to give Laos a district-level hospital project worth $3 million in Vientiane Province.

He proposed that both sides work together to ensure the prompt implementation of the project, with the construction scheduled for completion in 2026.

Looking ahead, the two sides agreed to continue giving the highest priority to strengthening bilateral cooperation across all fields.

The two leaders also emphasized the need for innovative, breakthrough approaches to enhance cooperation in the areas of economics, culture, and science and technology, leveraging each country’s strengths and potential.

In particular, they highlighted the importance of boosting connectivity in the fields of economy, infrastructure, finance, and tourism, and agreed to implement effective measures to raise bilateral trade to $5 billion in the coming years.

Both leaders expressed satisfaction with recent progress, noting that several major projects have been launched with strong determination from both sides, creating new momentum for bilateral cooperation.

Among them, Wharf No. 3 at Vung Ang Port in Ha Tinh Province, north-central Vietnam is expected to mark a major milestone in a new phase of development.

Following the talks, President Cuong and the Laotian leader witnessed the signing of several cooperation agreements between the two countries’ ministries of national defense and justice, as well as between the authorities of Vietnam’s Gia Lai Province and Laos’ Attapeu Province.