FM Bui Thanh Son (standing) speaks at the Vietnamese Embassy headquarters in Vientiane. Photo: baoquocte.vn

Foreign Minister Bui Thanh Son on April 27 called at the Vietnamese Embassy in Vientiane upon his arrival there for an official visit to Laos, reported VOV.

Son briefed officials of the Embassy and chiefs of the representative Vietnamese agencies on the country’s recent encouraging achievements in Covid-19 control and economic recovery, helping strengthen the confidence of foreign partners and investors in national development orientations.

He praised the representative missions for their efforts and close coordination in implementing foreign tasks, making an important contribution to cementing the special relations between Vietnam and Laos.

He suggested that the Vietnamese Embassy, ​​Consulate General and other representative agencies continue to coordinate closely this year to successfully organize activities within the framework of the Solidarity and Friendship Year 2022 between Vietnam and Laos.

He requested them to help promote the implementation of the high-level agreements reached by the two countries’ leaders to deepen the Vietnam – Laos great solidarity, especially the relationship between peoples of the two countries, including the younger generation.

FM Bui Thanh Son is in Laos for an official visit at the invitation of FM Saleumsay Kommasith from April 27-29.

The two diplomats will co-chair the ninth political consultation between the two countries’ Foreign Ministers.

Foreign Minister Bui Thanh Son and General Secretary of the Lao People's Revolutionary Party Central Committee and President of Laos Thongloun Sisoulith. Photo: VNA

On the second day of his visit, the Vietnamese FM paid courtesy calls to General Secretary of the Lao People's Revolutionary Party Central Committee and President of Laos Thongloun Sisoulith, Prime Minister Phankham Viphavan, and President of the Lao National Assembly Xaysomphone Phomvihane in Vientiane in the framework of his official visit to Laos.

The Lao Party, State, and people always attach importance and give the highest priority to consolidating and strengthening the nation’s sound friendship, special solidarity and comprehensive cooperation with Vietnam, stated Lao leaders while hosting visiting Son on April 28, according to VNA.

Son informed the Lao leaders on the outcomes of the ninth foreign ministerial-level political consultation co-chaired by him and his Lao counterpart Saleumxay Kommasith.

The Vietnamese minister affirmed that he will work closely with the Lao Ministry of Foreign Affairs, competent agencies and localities to effectively implement high-level agreements between the two countries and commitments made at the 44th meeting of the Vietnam - Laos Intergovernmental Committee, as well as to organise major events during the Vietnam-Laos and Laos-Vietnam Year of Solidarity and Friendship 2022.

Agreeing with Son on the importance of these tasks, Party General Secretary and President Thongloun Sisoulith suggested the two countries increase the exchange of Party building experience; further improve the efficiency and quality of their economic, trade and investment cooperation; and promote communications and education about their special solidarity especially for the young generations.

Foreign Minister Bui Thanh Son and Prime Minister Phankham Viphavan. Photo: VGP

PM Phankham Viphavanh highlighted the need to maintain the sides’ high-level exchanges and contacts in various forms and expressed his wish that Prime Minister Pham Minh Chinh would pay an official visit at a suitable time in the future.

The Lao PM requested the countries further coordinate to effectively implement agreements reached at the 44th meeting and step up the conduction of their joint projects.

NA leader Xaysomphone Phomvihane said the Vietnamese and Lao parliaments have deepened their collaboration toward effectiveness. He agreed to work with the National Assembly (NA) of Vietnam to strengthen coordination and supervision and create favourable conditions for the implementation of bilateral cooperation agreements between the two countries.

The Lao NA is eager to welcome Vietnamese NA Chairman Vuong Dinh Hue to Laos in the time to come, he said.

Foreign Minister Bui Thanh Son and President of the Lao National Assembly Xaysomphone Phomvihane. Photo: VGP

Minister of Foreign Affairs Bui Thanh Son and his Lao counterpart Saleumxay Kommasith also co-chaired the ninth foreign ministerial-level consultation meeting on April 28.

The bilateral economic ties have seen progress with two-way trade exceeding USD 400 million in the first quarter of 2022, up nearly 20% from the same period last year. Vietnam has poured more than USD 64 million worth of investment into Laos during the period.

The two officials also agreed to continue effectively enforcing the high-level agreements between the two countries and commitments made at the 44th meeting of the Vietnam - Laos Intergovernmental Committee, one of which is to coordinate in hosting celebrations of the Year of Solidarity and Friendship.

They will further accelerate cooperation and consultation between the two foreign ministries’ units and maintain the effectiveness of routine cooperation mechanisms between the ministries. Additionally, they will work together to implement the action plan on expanding their bilateral partnership in economic diplomacy from 2020 - 2025 and to review international treaties they are signatories to.

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