Welcoming the Lao Government delegation to Hai Phong City, Secretary of Hai Phong City Party Committee Le Tien Chau emphasized the deep and long-standing relationship between Vietnam and Laos. The two nations have fostered a traditional and loyal friendship for over 60 years as close neighbors. The cooperative ties between Hai Phong City and the Vientiane and Udomxay provinces have achieved significant results in Party development, governance, education and training, healthcare, tourism, investment, and trade. Specifically, in education, 117 Lao students are currently studying on scholarships at universities in Hai Phong City. Additionally, the city's Vietnam-Laos Friendship Association is one of the largest in Vietnam, actively organizing meaningful activities. 

For his part, Deputy Prime Minister Saleumxay Kommasith expressed his admiration for Hai Phong's remarkable development, noting the city's consistently high economic growth, which ranks among the top in the country. He commended the strong cooperative relationships between Lao provinces and Hai Phong city, which contribute significantly to fostering solidarity and comprehensive collaboration. The delegation's visit not only opens up new prospects and opportunities for cooperation between Lao localities and Hai Phong—a dynamic, innovative, and fast-developing port city—but also serves as a vital step toward ensuring the success of the 47th Meeting of Vietnam and Laos Intergovernmental Committee for Bilateral Cooperation between scheduled for early 2025./.