Always value and prioritize the development of the special Vietnam-Laos relationship

At the invitation of Prime Minister of the Lao People's Democratic Republic Sonexay Siphandone, Prime Minister of the Socialist Republic of Vietnam Pham Minh Chinh and a high-ranking delegation of the Vietnamese Government visited Laos and co-chaired the 47th meeting of the Vietnam-Laos Intergovernmental Committee from January 9 to 10, 2025.

This is the first foreign trip by a key Vietnamese leader in 2025. This continues to affirm Vietnam's consistent policy of valuing and prioritizing the great friendship, special solidarity and comprehensive cooperation between Vietnam and Laos.

The working trip of Prime Minister Pham Minh Chinh and his delegation took place in the context of the Vietnam-Laos relationship continuing to be consolidated and developed positively. The political relationship between the two sides has become increasingly close and trustworthy through regular exchanges of high-level delegations as well as at all levels. In 2024, the two sides successfully organized high-level meetings between the Communist Party of Vietnam and the Lao People's Revolutionary Party, and the 46th meeting of the Vietnam-Laos Intergovernmental Committee.

Economic, trade and investment cooperation has seen positive changes. The signing of the Memorandum of Understanding on the Development and Connection of Vietnam-Laos Border Trade Infrastructure, the Vietnam-Laos Trade Agreement and the effective implementation of the Vietnam-Laos Border Trade Agreement have created favorable conditions for businesses and people of the two countries. On that basis, bilateral trade turnover in the first 10 months of 2024 reached more than 1.7 billion USD, an increase of 28.2% over the same period in 2023. Bilateral trade turnover for the whole year of 2024 is expected to reach 2 billion USD.

Vietnam maintains its third position among countries and territories investing in Laos. Vietnam currently has 241 valid investment projects in Laos, with a total registered capital of about 5.5 billion USD.

Defense and security cooperation between the two countries continues to be maintained and developed, in which signed protocols and agreements are actively implemented. Cultural, educational and training cooperation continues to be promoted. The two sides closely coordinate to implement Vietnam's official development assistance (ODA) projects for Laos. Cooperation between localities of the two countries, especially those sharing a common border, is increasingly in-depth and comprehensive.

Vietnam and Laos have increased mutual support at regional and international forums and organizations, especially the Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN), the United Nations and Mekong sub-regional cooperation mechanisms. Vietnam supports and assists Laos in successfully assuming the roles of ASEAN Chair and ASEAN Inter-Parliamentary Assembly (AIPA) Chair in 2024. Laos is one of the first countries to support Vietnam's re-election to the United Nations Human Rights Council for the 2026-2028 term.

The working trip of Prime Minister Pham Minh Chinh and his delegation aims to continue implementing the foreign policy of the 13th National Party Congress, contributing to promoting foreign affairs in all three channels: party diplomacy, state diplomacy and people-to-people diplomacy. The 47th meeting of the Vietnam-Laos Intergovernmental Committee and activities within the framework of the working trip are an opportunity for the two sides to discuss measures to strengthen political relations; promote defense-security cooperation; promote economic, trade and investment cooperation; and enhance coordination at multilateral forums and organizations.

This is also an opportunity for the two sides to coordinate well in preparing for major holidays and important events of each country, as well as in the bilateral relationship. In addition, the working trip aims to demonstrate the care, understanding and sharing of the Party and State towards the Vietnamese community in Laos, thereby contributing to promoting the strength of the great national unity bloc.

Wishing Prime Minister Pham Minh Chinh and the high-ranking delegation of the Vietnamese Government a great success in their visit to Laos and co-chairing of the 47th Meeting of the Vietnam-Laos Intergovernmental Committee, contributing to further strengthening the trust and closeness between the two countries' senior leaders, promoting the development of the great friendship, special solidarity and comprehensive cooperation between Vietnam and Laos, and affirming Vietnam's support for Laos's reform and integration.

Source: https://nhandan.vn/luon-coi-trong-va-uu-tien-phat-trien-moi-quan-he-dac-biet-viet-nam-lao-post855051.html