Vietnamese Party hands over new National Assembly building to Laos

VIENTIANE, Aug 11, 2021, Vientiane Times/ANN. The new National Assembly (NA) building, a gift from the Vietnamese Party, State and people to their Lao counterparts, was officially handed over to Laos on Tuesday (Aug 10), The Star reported.

Located in central Vientiane with a construction cost of more than US$100 million, the new building is an important symbol of the great relations, special solidarity and comprehensive cooperation between Laos and Vietnam.

Party Secretary General and President of Laos, Thongloun Sisoulith, and President of the Socialist Republic of Vietnam, Nguyen Xuan Phuc, attended the inauguration and handover of the new building.

Speaking at the handover ceremony, the Vietnamese President highlighted its importance in the growing ties between Laos and Vietnam, saying it was a project of great political significance.

President Phuc said he highly valued the collaboration between the concerned sectors of Laos and Vietnam to ensure the building was completed as planned.

Also speaking at the ceremony, President Thongloun expressed his appreciation and thanks to the Party, government and people of Vietnam for supporting the construction of the new building.

The Lao president said the building was well-designed and modern and contained elements of Laos’ unique architecture, as well as being a project of historical significance between Laos and Vietnam.

The building is located in an auspicious and significant area close to Pha That Luang, a revered stupa and the national symbol of Laos.

President Thongloun said the new building would house National Assembly sessions and other events of national importance.

Meanwhile the Lao people will be given an opportunity to learn about the background of the legislative body, whose role is to approve the country’s constitution and laws as well as other fundamental issues.

The Lao president pledged that the government and people of Laos would maintain and use the building for the benefit of the whole nation.

A groundbreaking ceremony to mark the start of construction took place in November 2017. Despite issues caused by the Covid-19 pandemic concerning the supply of materials and equipment as well as the dispatch of technical staff to the construction site, the contractor was able to make good progress and achieve the goals as planned.

The building comprises five floors and a basement and can accommodate 800-1,000 people. There is parking for 273 cars, three buses and 270 motorbikes.

The modern building reflects Laos’ cultural identity and architectural style. Its sturdy construction means it will be able to serve the legislative body for at least 100 years.

There is a large conference hall for debate sessions, a spacious lobby, lounges, medium and small meeting rooms, and offices for members of the Standing Committee.

President Nguyen Xuan Phuc’s official friendly visit to Laos from Aug 9-10 was a landmark in further strengthening the great friendship, special solidarity, and comprehensive cooperation between Laos and Vietnam.

This was the first official overseas visit by Phuc since he became President of Vietnam.