The General Secretaries of Vietnam and Laos co-chaired the high-level meeting between the two Parties.
In Vientiane, the capital of Laos, a high-level meeting between the Communist Party of Vietnam and the Lao People's Revolutionary Party took place on the afternoon of December 2nd, co-chaired by General Secretary To Lam and General Secretary and President of Laos Thongloun Sisoulith.
At the meeting, General Secretary To Lam and General Secretary and President of Laos Thongloun Sisoulith highly appreciated the important, comprehensive, and historically significant achievements that the two Parties, two States, and the people of the two countries have attained.
The two leaders affirmed the importance of the special Vietnam-Laos relationship in the context of rapid and complex changes in the region and the international community.
Both sides have successfully implemented the high-level agreement. Ministries, departments, and agencies at all levels, from central to local, as well as businesses in both countries, have proactively implemented cooperation memoranda in a positive, effective, and practical manner.
The close political relationship continues to be a solid foundation, providing impetus for the development of cooperation in all fields.
Both sides highly appreciated the increasingly close and effective defense and security cooperation, which continues to be promoted and affirmed as an important pillar in the bilateral relationship. The two sides successfully coordinated many projects, contributing to supporting Laos in strengthening its defense and security capabilities, and implemented high-quality and effective cooperation plans and programs.
Vietnam and Laos have done a good job in searching for, collecting, and repatriating the remains of Vietnamese volunteer soldiers and experts who died in Laos.
The two countries will strengthen coordination with Cambodia to implement the results of the high-level meeting between the leaders of the three parties; coordinate to reach consensus on long-term development orientations, giving top priority to the close, strategic relationship between the three countries.
Economic, trade, and investment cooperation has been given attention and promoted, with many positive developments. Leaders of both countries have provided close guidance, ensuring that key cooperation projects are implemented on schedule, contributing to improving the quality of life for the people of both countries.
Cultural, educational, and scientific and technological fields have received attention, been promoted, and achieved many practical results. Cooperation between Party committees, ministries, and government agencies, as well as people-to-people exchanges between central and local mass organizations, have been strengthened.
The two leaders affirmed that they will continue to strengthen and further deepen the great friendship, special solidarity, comprehensive cooperation, and strategic linkage between Vietnam and Laos through cooperation mechanisms and the establishment and organization of new mechanisms.
Both sides affirmed their commitment to deepening the relationship between the two Parties and the two countries, considering it a core pillar guiding the overall strategic direction for comprehensive cooperation between Vietnam and Laos. The consistent policy of the two Parties and the two States is to always stand shoulder to shoulder, support and assist each other.
The Vietnam-Laos and Laos-Vietnam relationship has always been a top priority in the foreign policy of each country; it is an exemplary relationship of long-term strategic importance, and one of the decisive factors in the success of the revolutionary cause in each country.
Both sides affirmed their commitment to close coordination on strategic issues related to security and development, and to jointly prepare for the successful organization of each party's national congress.
The two leaders emphasized and affirmed the strategic importance of further strengthening the defense, security, and foreign affairs cooperation pillars; considering this as one of the important pillars of the special Vietnam-Laos relationship.
The two countries will consider establishing new and appropriate cooperation mechanisms. The leaders also agreed to continue exchanging information, consulting on positions, coordinating closely, and supporting each other in international and regional forums.
Promoting growth in bilateral trade turnover to reach the target of 5 billion USD soon.
During the meeting, Prime Minister Pham Minh Chinh and Lao Prime Minister Sonexay Siphandone highly appreciated the achievements in cooperation between the two countries.
Economically, both sides agreed to promote trade and investment cooperation, considering it an important pillar of the Vietnam-Laos strategic partnership. The two countries will strengthen connectivity and complementarity between their economies; and actively address difficulties and obstacles in the implementation process.
The two sides exchanged views on various directions and measures to enhance the effectiveness of economic and trade cooperation; in particular, they emphasized the need to create a strong, breakthrough transformation in economic, trade, and investment development cooperation, making this sector a strategic pillar, commensurate with the stature of the political relationship and the potential of each country.
Both sides agreed to promote growth in bilateral trade turnover to reach the target of $5 billion soon and aim for $10 billion.
The two countries will prioritize addressing outstanding issues and strengthening connectivity, focusing resources on implementing key infrastructure projects such as the Hanoi-Vientiane expressway, promoting the Vietnam-Laos industrial park model, and developing border trade along the East-West economic corridor.
Vietnam and Laos will also build an investment and business environment and connect infrastructure to create favorable conditions to promote the sustainable development of businesses in both countries and enhance mutual support.
Vietnam and Laos will expand cooperation between Party and State agencies, the Fatherland Front, mass organizations, and people's organizations; strengthen coordination and mutual support in socio-economic development, as well as ensuring security and stability in the border region.