Prime Minister Pham Minh Chinh meets with his Lao counterpart Phankham Viphavanh in Washington D.C on May 13. Photo: VGP

Prime Minister Pham Minh Chinh met with his Lao counterpart Phankham Viphavanh in Washington D.C on May 13 afternoon (US time) on the occasion of their attending the ASEAN-US Special Summit, reported VNA Saturday.

At the event, the Vietnamese PM congratulated Laos on the positive results in the country’s fight against Covid-19 and reopening, and highly valued the two countries’ sound cooperation in the bilateral framework as well as at regional and international forums.

The Lao PM spoke highly of Vietnam’s important achievements in the recent time, especially in bringing the Covid pandemic under control and promptly reopening its borders for socio-economic recovery and development, and thanked Vietnam for cooperation and support for Laos over the years.

The two PMs rejoiced at the stable development of the Vietnam-Laos great friendship, special solidarity and comprehensive cooperation. Since the start of 2022, the countries have exchanged delegations at all levels, notably an official visit to Vietnam by the Lao PM in January.

They have collaborated in effective implementing high-level agreements and those adopted at the 44th meeting of the Inter-Governmental Committee chaired by the two PMs in Hanoi earlier this year.

Vietnam is currently among three leading investors of Laos. Two-way trade hit USD 403.6 million in the first quarter of 2022, posting a year-on-year surge of 19.22%.

Vietnam had one new project and adjusted the capital of two existing ones, with the total registered capital surpassing USD 64 million.

Cooperation in national defence-security, education-training, transport and energy, among others, continued to be promoted.

The two countries are stepping up economic and transport projects, notably the Vientiane-Hanoi expressway and the Khammouane-Vung Ang railway projects.

The countries have paid due attention to education-training cooperation, as Vietnam has presented scholarships to Lao students and the number rose to 1,220 in 2021.

Vietnam has created optimal conditions for Laos to use the Vung Ang seaport complex to support the neighbour’s maritime transport and assisted Laos with building essential facilities of schools, hospitals and roads.

At the meeting. Photo: VGP

The PMs agreed to continue working together to efficiently carry out agreements between the two Parties and States, maintain regular delegation exchanges and meetings at high level; step up the implementation of key cooperation projects; and hold activities in the framework of the Vietnam - Laos Solidarity and Friendship Year 2022 to mark the 60th founding anniversary of diplomatic ties of the two countries (September 5) and 45 years since the signing of the Laos - Vietnam Treaty of Friendship and Cooperation (July 18).

Exchanging viewpoints on regional and international issues of mutual concern, the two sides concurred to closely work together and support each other at regional and international forums, particularly the United Nations, ASEAN and sub-region cooperation mechanisms; thereby maintaining solidarity, unity and centrality of ASEAN amid current challenges in the region and the world.

In a related news, Chairman of the National Assembly Vuong Dinh Hue will lead a high-ranking delegation of Vietnam to pay an official visit to Laos on May 15-17 at the invitation of his Lao counterpart Xaysomphone Phomvihane.

Vietnam and Laos are neighbours with a traditional and close-knit friendship founded by Vietnamese President Ho Chi Minh, and Lao Presidents Kaysone Phomvihane and Souphanouvong, and nurtured by generations of both countries' leaders and people.

2021 witnessed numerous important events of the countries. Vietnam successfully held the 13th National Party Congress and the election of deputies to the 15th NA and all-level People’s Councils for the 2021-26 tenure; while Laos organised the 11th Congress of the Lao People's Revolutionary Party and the election of deputies to the 9th NA.

Leaders of the countries held in-person and online exchanges amid complexities of the pandemic.

Vietnam was the first country to send a special flight carrying medical supplies and experts to help Laos fight the second wave of Covid outbreaks.

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