Promoting Vietnam - Laos cooperation to be increasingly substantive and effective

Prime Minister Pham Minh Chinh and Lao Prime Minister Sonexay Siphandone - Photo: VGP/Nhat Bac

The meeting aimed to review, evaluate, review and draw experience from the implementation of bilateral cooperation activities under the direction of the two countries' Politburoes and the agreement at the 45th Meeting of the Vietnam-Laos Intergovernmental Committee, and at the same time agree on new mechanisms to promote cooperation in a correct, timely and effective manner.

At the meeting, Prime Minister Pham Minh Chinh congratulated Laos on successfully organizing the 4th Mekong River Commission Conference, thereby contributing to enhancing the role and position of Laos in the region. Prime Minister Pham Minh Chinh also congratulated the achievements that the Lao Party, State and people have achieved in the recent past, and expressed his belief that under the wise leadership of the Lao People's Revolutionary Party and the resolute direction of the Lao Government headed by Prime Minister Sonexay Siphandone, the Lao people will overcome difficulties and successfully implement the resolution of the 11th National Party Congress and the 9th Five-Year Socio-Economic Development Plan to build an independent, self-reliant, deeply integrated and increasingly prosperous Laos.

Prime Minister Pham Minh Chinh congratulated Laos on successfully organizing the 4th Mekong River Commission Conference, thereby contributing to enhancing Laos' role and position in the region - Photo: VGP/Nhat Bac

Lao Prime Minister Sonexay Siphandone was pleased to meet Prime Minister Pham Minh Chinh again after Prime Minister Pham Minh Chinh's official visit to Laos (January 2023); thanked the Prime Minister for attending and contributing to the success of the Summit; and thanked Vietnam for its selfless and transparent assistance and support to Laos in the past struggle for national independence, as well as in the current cause of national construction, protection and development.

The Lao Prime Minister respectfully conveyed the regards of General Secretary and President Thongloun Sisoulith and other senior leaders of Laos to General Secretary Nguyen Phu Trong and other senior leaders of Vietnam; highly appreciated the great and comprehensive achievements that Vietnam has achieved in the cause of construction, development and international integration; especially the rapid recovery and socio-economic development after the pandemic, with an increasingly high role and position in the international arena.

Lao Prime Minister Sonexay Siphandone highly appreciated the great and comprehensive achievements Vietnam has gained in the cause of construction, development and international integration - Photo: VGP/Nhat Bac

The two Prime Ministers were pleased and appreciated the good development of the great friendship, special solidarity and comprehensive cooperation between Vietnam and Laos in all fields between the two countries in recent times. The two sides exchanged many delegations at all levels and channels; continued to promote the effectiveness of bilateral cooperation mechanisms, especially the 45th Meeting of the Vietnam-Laos Intergovernmental Committee; successfully organized hundreds of meaningful activities in the "Vietnam-Laos, Laos-Vietnam Solidarity and Friendship Year 2022" in both countries. In particular, trade cooperation is a bright spot with the total bilateral turnover in 2022 reaching more than 1.7 billion USD, an increase of more than 24% compared to 2021, exceeding the set target (growth of 10-15%).

The two sides agreed to make efforts to implement the Vietnam-Laos Strategic Cooperation Agreement for the 2021-2030 period, the Vietnam-Laos Bilateral Cooperation Agreement for 2021-2023, and high-level agreements and signed cooperation plans in various fields; continue to increase delegation exchanges at all levels and through channels to continuously consolidate the special and strong political relationship of trust; coordinate to ensure security, order and social safety; strengthen security and defense cooperation; strengthen coordination in preventing and combating transnational crimes, especially drug crimes.

The two Prime Ministers exchanged experiences in directing and managing socio-economic issues; proposed and agreed on directions in new areas of cooperation. Photo: VGP/Nhat Bac

The two sides also agreed to continue to enhance economic cooperation; support each other in building an independent, self-reliant economy, associated with substantial, deep and effective international integration; strengthen connectivity between the two economies; continue to coordinate and innovate the implementation of aid projects, ensure focus and key points, do a good job of project preparation, regularly inspect and urge... to further improve the quality and efficiency of projects; determined to focus on removing obstacles, completely resolving a number of backlogs and promoting the implementation of key projects such as Vung Ang 1, 2, 3 ports; NongKhang airport; East-West road and railway connection projects...; continue to remove difficulties and obstacles, create favorable conditions in terms of administrative procedures, land... for Vietnamese enterprises and projects in Laos.

The two Prime Ministers also exchanged experiences in directing and managing socio-economic issues; proposed and agreed on directions in new areas of cooperation.

In order to effectively implement the commitments and agreements of the two countries in 2023, the two Prime Ministers assigned the Ministry of Planning and Investment, the Cooperation Committee of the two countries, and relevant ministries and branches to regularly urge the progress of the implementation of assigned tasks, promptly report to competent authorities to direct and remove difficulties and obstacles, and complete the goals assigned by the two Politburoes to the two Governments.

Prime Minister Pham Minh Chinh affirmed that Vietnam is ready to support Laos to successfully assume its international responsibilities in the coming time, including the role of ASEAN/AIPA Chair in 2024.

Prime Minister Pham Minh Chinh emphasized the spirit of harmonious benefits, shared risks, said things must be done, committed things must be carried out and there must be measurable results.