Vietnam and Laos to raise economic cooperation on par with political ties

The two sides will continuously improve the effectiveness of cooperation in the fields of education and training, tourism, energy, clean agriculture, science, technology, health, culture, people-to-people exchanges and cooperation between localities.

They will promote security and defense cooperation as a major pillar in bilateral relations to deal with new challenges by well implementing cooperation documents between their Ministries of National Defense and Ministries of Public Security, and closely coordinating in border protection and management, especially in preventing and fighting against transnational crimes, drug crimes, illegal exploitation of natural resources, and illegal immigration.

The two sides will continue to coordinate effectively in searching, gathering and repatriating the remains of Vietnamese volunteer soldiers and experts who died in Laos and in renovating monuments of the Vietnam - Laos fighting alliance.

They will soon incorporate the contents of the sets of books on Vietnam – Laos special relationship into their school curriculum, and coordinate closely on the construction of historical works on Vietnam - Laos relations, including the Laos - Vietnam Friendship Park in Vientiane.

The agreements were reached during talks in Vientiane on July 11 between General Secretary of the Lao People’s Revolutionary Party and President of Laos Thongloun Sisoulith and visiting Vietnamese President To Lam.

The two leaders expressed their joy at the growing ties in recent times between the two countries, noting that the two sides have maintained regular delegation exchanges, and effectively promoted important bilateral cooperation mechanisms, thereby helping to maintain close and trustworthy political relations at the highest level.

Economic cooperation has been strengthened, in which trade and investment cooperation is considered a bright spot in the overall economic picture. Vietnam is currently one of Laos’ leading trade and investment partners. At the same time, the two sides have also made efforts to completely remove difficulties and obstacles in a number of key projects.

Cooperation in other fields such as culture, social affairs, education, sports, people-to-people exchanges and cooperation between localities, especially between border provinces, has been enhanced, bringing specific benefits for the people of the two countries.

During the talks, the two leaders reaffirmed their countries’ consistent policy of giving the highest priority to consolidating and cultivating the great friendship, special solidarity and comprehensive cooperation between Vietnam and Laos.

They stressed the need to strengthen consultation, exchange of experiences, coordination and mutual support to overcome challenges and difficulties, build an independent, self-reliant economy in the respective countries, and deeply integrate into the world.

Exchanging views on regional and international issues of mutual concern, the two presidents held that in the context of the current rapid and complex developments both regionally and globally, the two sides need to increase exchange of information, close coordination and cooperation at regional and international forums, while ensuring solidarity and promoting the central role of ASEAN and ASEAN-led mechanisms.

Vietnam will wholeheartedly support Laos to successfully undertake important international roles in 2024, including the ASEAN Chairmanship and AIPA Chairmanship, Lam told his host.

Lam also announced Vietnam’s decision to present 20 VinFast electric vehicles as a special gift to help Laos successfully organize important activities during the 2024 ASEAN Chairmanship year.

After their talks, the two leaders witnessed the exchange of cooperation documents between ministries and businesses of the two countries.