Vietnam, Laos Reinforce Great friendship, Special Solidarity

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Prime Minister Pham Minh Chinh received visiting Lao Deputy PM and Minister of Foreign Affairs Saleumxay Kommasith in Hanoi on July 5.

Prime Minister Pham Minh Chinh (right) and Lao Deputy PM and Minister of Foreign Affairs Saleumxay Kommasith. Photo: VNA

Welcoming Kommasith on a working visit to Vietnam as head of Laos’ central steering committee for trade and transport facilitation, PM Chinh said he believes the trip will be successful and substantially contribute to the unceasing reinforcement of the great friendship, special solidarity, and comprehensive cooperation between the two countries.

The host leader also asked the two foreign ministries to maintain close coordination to prepare for the coming high-level visits, VietnamPlus reported.

For his part, Kommasith thanked the Vietnamese Government for the top priority it has consistently given to the enhancement of bilateral relations.

He affirmed that the Party, State, and people of Laos will continue joining hands with their Vietnamese counterparts to nurture the countries’ great friendship, special solidarity, and comprehensive cooperation.

Earlier, Vietnamese Deputy PM Tran Luu Quang held talks with the Lao Deputy PM and Foreign Minister.

Deputy Prime Minister Tran Luu Quang (right) welcomes Lao Deputy Prime Minister and Foreign Minister Saleumxay Kommasith. Photo: VGP

Both officials expressed their delight at the significant cooperation achievements obtained recently, especially the close coordination and the increase of delegation exchanges, high-level meetings, and bilateral cooperation mechanisms.

They noted that defense - security cooperation remains an important pillar of the two countries’ partnership. Bilateral trade rose 11% year on year to $780 million during the first five months of 2024. Besides, Vietnam now has 255 valid projects worth about $5.5 billion in Laos, and they are operating fruitfully.

The two Deputy PMs shared the view that amid complex developments in the world and the region, it is necessary to keep promoting cooperation pillars; thoroughly deal with some outstanding problems to step up such key projects as Vung Ang Terminals 1, 2 and 3, along with road and railway transport connection projects; and continue to expand and improve the effectiveness of collaboration in education - training, culture, and people-to-people ties.

With regard to international and regional issues of common concern, they agreed that facing fast and complicated developments in the world and the region, the two sides should boost sharing information and coordinate closely at regional and international forums.

On this occasion, Kommasith and the Lao delegation had a working session with Vietnamese Minister of Foreign Affairs Bui Thanh Son and Minister of Industry and Trade Nguyen Hong Dien.

Lao leaders value Vietnam – Laos legislative cooperation

Meanwhile, General Secretary of the Laos People Revolutionary Party and President Thongloun Sisulith and Lao National Assembly Chairman Xaysomphone Phomvihane appreciated parliamentary cooperation between the two countries during their separate meetings with Vice Chairman of the National Assembly of Nguyen Khac Dinh in Vientiane on July 4-5, VOV said.

Vietnamese National Assembly Nguyen Khac Dinh (L) and Party General Secretary and President of Laos Thongloun Sisoulith at their meeting in Vientiane on July 5. Photo: VNA

At these meetings, the two Lao leaders welcomed Dinh’s working visit which they said offers the National Assembly of Laos and its relevant agencies the chance to learn from Vietnam’s experience in constitutional amendments to help Laos amend it 2015 Constitution to meet the country’s socio-economic development requirements.

They voiced their support for the two countries in effectively implementing a memorandum of understanding on cooperation, including maintaining visit exchanges and organizing conferences to share experience and promote the implementation of document signed by the two governments.

The Lao President supported the initiative of the two NAs in compiling and publishing a book marking 50 years of the relationship between the two legislative bodies. He suggested that the Vietnamese NA continue to share experience with its Lao counterpart in constitutional amendments, as well as in holding ASEAN events as Laos is assuming the role of ASEAN Chairmanship in 2024.

He expressed hope that the Vietnamese NA would continue to promote the implementation of cooperation agreements between the two Governments as well as sectors to help facilitate bilateral economic, trade and investment cooperation commensurate with their political ties.

Dinh for his part briefed his hosts on the results of his working trip to Laos, focus on sharing information and practical experience of the Vietnamese legislature in constitution amendments and lawmaking.

Vietnam is ready to support Laos to successfully perform its role as ASEAN/AIPA Chairman in 2024, contributing to enhancing its role and position in the region and the wider world, he said.

Also on July 5, the two legislatures jointly held a workshop to share experience in legislative research./.

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