HCMC – Prime Minister Pham Minh Chinh of Vietnam and his Lao counterpart Sonexay Siphandone held talks today in Hanoi, marking the commencement of PM Siphandone’s official visit to Vietnam from January 6-7, said local news reports.
Expressing deep appreciation for the recent accomplishments of Laos, PM Chinh acknowledged their achievements in maintaining political and social stability, national defense and security, and economic recovery.
Confident in the leadership of the Lao People’s Revolutionary Party (LPRP), he expressed his belief that Laos would overcome challenges and successfully implement its five-year socio-economic development plan.
PM Siphandone commended Vietnam for its outstanding achievements in socio-economic development, defense, security, and foreign affairs. He recognized Vietnam’s contributions to raising its international prestige and position, considering it a valuable source of encouragement and support for Laos’ national safeguarding and building.
Both PMs expressed delight at the positive development in political relations, high-level visits, defense, security, and foreign affairs collaboration. Economic, trade, and investment cooperation was also highlighted, with Vietnam currently ranking third among countries investing in Laos, with 241 projects worth US$5.47 billion.
PM Chinh proposed concrete and effective measures for implementing agreements, including the Vietnam-Laos Cooperation Strategy Agreement (2021-2030) and the Vietnam-Laos Bilateral Cooperation Agreement (2021-2025).
The two Prime Ministers pledged to enhance defense and security cooperation to address new challenges effectively. They also committed to strengthen border management, combat transnational crimes, especially drug-related offenses, and support the search and repatriation of remains of Vietnamese volunteer soldiers who sacrificed their lives in Laos.
On the economic front, the leaders stressed the need to enhance connectivity in various sectors such as finance, transport infrastructure, energy, telecommunications, and tourism.
Key projects include the Vientiane-Hanoi expressway and Vientiane-Vung Ang railway, with a focus on building independent and self-reliant economies that integrate effectively on the international stage. The partnership between Vietnam and Laos will be robust and enduring for the benefit of both nations and their peoples.
