The meeting not only demonstrated the great friendship between the two nations but also concretized high-level commitments to elevate the sports of both countries to an international level. Also attending the meeting were Deputy Minister Hoang Dao Cuong and Deputy Director of the Vietnam Sports Administration Le Thi Hoang Yen.
Minister of Culture, Sports and Tourism of Vietnam Nguyen Van Hung held an important meeting with the Minister of Education and Sports of Laos, Thongsalith Mangnomek.
In a sincere and trusting atmosphere, both sides reviewed the proud journey of cooperation and opened new chapters for the future of sports in both countries.
Opening the meeting, Minister Nguyen Van Hung warmly welcomed the delegation from the Lao Ministry of Education and Sports to Vietnam. The Minister emphasized that the meeting carried the important responsibility of implementing the Vietnam-Lao Joint Statement made during General Secretary To Lam's visit to Laos in early December. Concretizing the cooperation contents is not merely a professional task but also a political responsibility to further strengthen the close ties between the people of the two countries.
Evaluating the cooperation process over the past period, Minister Nguyen Van Hung noted that, based on solidarity and tireless efforts, cooperation in various fields between the two sides has progressed very smoothly. Sports are now not just about competitions for medals, but have truly become a bridge connecting and opening the door to cultural exchange, bringing the people of the two countries closer together. During this term, the two Ministries have consistently maintained a spirit of partnership and mutual support to overcome challenges and reach new heights. At the recent ASEAN Ministers of Sports Meeting (AMMS), Vietnam and Laos jointly agreed to clarify the content of their bilateral cooperation, which was acknowledged by all attendees and included in the official minutes.
Also present was Deputy Director of the Vietnam Sports Department, Le Thi Hoang Yen.
One of the highlights of this cooperation is Vietnam's willingness to assist Lao sports. Vietnam has sent experienced coaches and athletes to support training. The scale of support has grown significantly, from small initial groups to a substantial increase in numbers, helping Lao athletes access the most modern training methods and advanced techniques. Within its capabilities, Vietnam has always demonstrated a high sense of responsibility towards regional sports by providing maximum support to Laos in its preparation for the 31st SEA Games (in Vietnam) as well as subsequent Games.
In response to Minister Nguyen Van Hung, Minister Thongsalith Mangnomek expressed his emotion and extended his most sincere thanks to the Party, State, and Ministry of Culture, Sports and Tourism of Vietnam. Minister Thongsalith Mangnomek particularly recalled the noble gesture of the Vietnamese sports delegation in diligently caring for and visiting a Laotian player who was injured and hospitalized during the 33rd SEA Games, considering it the most vivid manifestation of close brotherhood.
During the meeting, Minister Nguyen Van Hung shared profound insights into the practical experiences Vietnam has gained in developing sports over the past years. The first key point is that all cultural and sports activities are placed under the leadership of the Party and State. The advisory role that led to the Politburo's issuance of Conclusion No. 70-KL/TW, dated January 31, 2024, on the development of physical education and sports in the new phase has created a major turning point in awareness, providing a solid legal foundation for implementing long-term strategies.
In addition, there has been a strong shift from focusing on sports activities to managing, governing, and fostering development. Through promoting the role of sports federations and associations based on the principles of autonomy and self-governance, the sports sector has discovered many promising young talents. In particular, the sports economy is receiving systematic investment, with the development of a legal framework to mobilize social resources.
The most important milestone is Vietnam's preparation to begin construction of an internationally standard Olympic Village on December 19th. These world-class sports facilities in Ho Chi Minh City and Da Nang are also being considered, with the expectation that they will not only host the SEA Games well but also be ready for the ASIAD and, further, the Olympics. The results of these efforts are not only reflected in the medals won, but also in the fact that 38% of the Vietnamese population has chosen a sport to practice daily.
Important meeting between the Vietnamese Ministry of Culture, Sports and Tourism and the Lao Ministry of Education and Sports on the morning of December 17th.
Acknowledging Vietnam's achievements, Minister Thongsalith Mangnomek stated that Laos is also in the process of drafting a Sports Development Strategy until 2035 with innovative thinking. The Lao side expressed a desire to receive expert advice from Vietnam.
The Vietnamese Ministry of Culture, Sports and Tourism is working to finalize this draft. The Minister of Laos also proposed establishing a joint task force for both sides to discuss and share experiences in order to implement the strategy most effectively after its issuance.
With the goal of successfully hosting the SEA Games in 2031, Laos hopes Vietnam will share comprehensive experience. Currently, sports infrastructure in Laos remains fragmented and lacks concentration, hindering high-level training.
In response to these suggestions, Minister Nguyen Van Hung affirmed that Vietnam is always ready to share and provide support within the scope of its Ministry's authority. Both sides agreed that the two Ministries will work together to establish a five-year cooperation plan with a focus on key areas that Laos truly needs.
At the conclusion of the talks, the two Ministers affirmed that the spirit of noble sportsmanship not only enhances the nation's standing on the international stage but also spreads positive humanitarian values. In the spirit of special solidarity and friendship, Vietnam and Laos committed to making every effort to move forward together, developing the sports of both countries sustainably and more strongly than ever before, contributing to the effective implementation of the directives of the Prime Ministers of both countries at the 48th Session of the Vietnam-Laos Intergovernmental Committee.
Ha Phuong