Vietnamese President’s visit reflects Laos-Vietnam unique ties: Lao FM
The freshly-ended Laos visit of Vietnamese President Nguyen Xuan Phuc is obvious evidence for the special ties that can only be seen between Laos and Vietnam, Lao Foreign Minister Saleumsay Kommasith said in an interview granted to the Vietnam News Agency on the outcomes of the visit, which took place from August 9-10.
President Nguyen Xuan Phuc delivers a soeech at the Lao National Assembly (Photo: VNA)
Vientian (VNA)– The freshly-ended Laos visit of Vietnamese President Nguyen Xuan Phuc is obvious evidence for the special ties thatcan only be seen between Laos and Vietnam, Lao Foreign Minister SaleumsayKommasith said in an interview granted to the Vietnam News Agency on theoutcomes of the visit, which took place from August 9-10.
He described the visit as an important historical milestone in the relationship between the twocountries, contributing to reinforcing and elevating the great friendship,special solidarity and comprehensive partnership between the two Parties,States and people of Vietnam and Laos.
The Lao FM underlinedthat 14 deals were signed during the visit, manifesting the success of thevisit.
He commented that theVietnamese leader’s visit was a great success, and stressed that the Lao side values and clearly feels the heart-felt sentiments that Vietnamese leaders give to Laos.
Lao Foreign Minister Saleumsay Kommasith (Photo: VNA)
Regarding President Phuc’s delivering a speech at the LaoNational Assembly, he said that this is a historical event of significantmeaning, showing the close attention of the Party, State and people ofVietnam towards Laos.
On behalf of the Party, State and people of Laos, the minister expressed gratitude to the Party, State and people of Vietnam for alwaysbeing ready to share difficulties, accompany with and support Laos in any circumstances./.
Earlier on the same day, President Nguyen Xuan Phuc delivered an important speech at the first session of the 9th National Assembly of Laos, becoming the first foreign leader to do so at the new NA Building of Laos.
President Nguyen Xuan Phuc, his spouse and the high-ranking Party and State delegation arrived at Noi Bai international airport in Hanoi late August 10, concluding their two-day official friendship visit to Laos.
President Nguyen Xuan Phuc’s visit to Laos held significance, contributing to fostering great friendship, special solidarity and comprehensive cooperation between Vietnam and Laos, said Deputy Foreign Minister Nguyen Quoc Dung.
The Lao media continue running articles on the official friendly visit to Laos by Vietnamese President Nguyen Xuan Phuc, all describing the trip from August 9-10 a success.
Featuring a permanent exhibition area, the ASEAN Hall will function both as a cultural showcase and as a dynamic venue for ASEAN-related events and programmes. Its inauguration on ASEAN Day added symbolic weight, marking a fresh milestone in ASEAN–RoK relations.
Thailand’s Ministry of Commerce and rice exporters are devising strategic plans to boost rice exports amid global market fluctuations, focusing on key markets and adjusting output.
The focus of the upcoming ASEAN Summit in October will be on strengthening economic relations through intra-regional trade and investment, as well as regional initiatives on energy networks and connectivity.
Indonesian Ambassador Rina P. Soemarno, who currently serves as Chair of the ASEAN Committee in Prague, emphasised the spirit of regional solidarity and cooperation, and the importance of enhancing ASEAN–Czech Republic relations.
The Indonesian Government is determined to seize opportunities to enhance the competitiveness of national agricultural products, an official has said, adding that it always strives to promote exports at the highest possible level, based on a mutually beneficial foundation.
Finance Minister Pichai Chunhavajira has outlined a six-point strategy to promote innovation, support small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs), and push for Thailand's removal from the US Trade Representative (USTR)’s special 301 Watch List regarding intellectual property rights protection among trading partners.
Vietnamese Ambassador to Israel Ly Duc Trung emphasised ASEAN’s central role in regional mechanisms such as the ASEAN Regional Forum (ARF) and the East Asia Summit (EAS), highlighting its significant contribution to promoting peace, stability, and prosperity in Southeast Asia.
The consumer index of the University of the Thai Chamber of Commerce (UTCC), fell to 51.7 in July from 52.7 in the previous month. The sluggish economy and the trade war, as well as high living costs, continue to undermine confidence, the university said.
Deputy Speaker of the Hungarian National Assembly Istvan Jakab expressed his hope for further deepening Hungary’s ties with ASEAN countries and called for their support for Hungary’s accession to the Treaty of Amity and Cooperation in Southeast Asia.
The 30-storey tower crumbled seconds after a 7.7-magnitude earthquake hit neighbouring Myanmar on March 28. The partially built high-rise, meant to house the State Audit Office (SAO), was the only building in Thailand to collapse, killing 89 people on the site, mostly construction workers.
Indonesia’s waste generation is projected to exceed 50 million tonnes in 2025. Of the total, more than 20 million tonnes could potentially enter the ocean through rivers, coastal areas, small islands, ports, and marine activities, and thereby, pose a risk to coastal ecosystems and marine biota.
Indonesia is accelerating plans to increase lithium imports, particularly from Australia, in a bid to fill gaps in the electric vehicle (EV) battery supply chain and realise its ambition of becoming a global EV manufacturing hub.
Malaysia’s gross expenditure on R&D (GERD) reached 1.01% of gross domestic product in 2022, a notable increase, with more than 51% contributed by the industry sector. The country is targeting GERD to reach 2.5% by 2030, in line with the national goal of transforming into a high-technology nation.
The facility was established in response to a growing shift in the Filipino labour force from the Middle East to Japan, where workers are seeking safer working environments.
In the latest Indonesia-US trade agreement in July, the US administration agreed to reduce the reciprocal tariff, which was initially set at 32% by US President Donald Trump last April, to 19%.
Real estate agency ERA Singapore estimated that there are 2,703 condo developments in Singapore today, of which 836 or 31% are at least 30 years old. In 10 years, this number is expected to climb to 1,160, assuming none is sold en bloc.
The new framework is designed to ensure that incoming investments deliver tangible national benefits, such as the creation of high-quality jobs for Malaysians and the development of local company ecosystems and technologies.
Singapore led with a total of 8.8 billion USD in realised investment, followed by Hong Kong and mainland China, Malaysia, and Japan with 8 billion USD, 1.7 billion USD and 1.6 billion USD, respectively.
Thai Acting Prime Minister Phumtham Wechayachai on August 7 outlined his strategy for tackling drug problems in Thailand, aiming for a "Zero Drugs Thailand" within three months.
The US has described Malaysia's role as Chair of the Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN) as vital in helping ease tension between Thailand and Cambodia.
President Nguyen Xuan Phuc delivers a soeech at the Lao National Assembly (Photo: VNA) 
Lao Foreign Minister Saleumsay Kommasith (Photo: VNA) 
