Laos prioritises cementing special relationship with Vietnam

Receiving the Vietnamese diplomat, General Secretary and President Thongloun Sisoulith highly appreciated the outcome of the recent 11th Political Consultation between the Ministries of Foreign Affairs of Laos and Vietnam that outlined major future cooperation plans.

Accordingly, the two sides vowed to strive to create breakthroughs in economic, trade, and investment cooperation. They would continue working closely to effectively implement high-level agreements, and prepare well for the 47th meeting of the Vietnam-Laos Intergovernmental Committee.

Sisoulith commended bilateral cooperation and suggested both countries exchange experiences in preparing for their respective Party Congresses, focusing on Party building, political system development, socio-economic management, and international integration.

The General Secretary praised Vietnam’s support during Laos’ ASEAN Chairmanship in 2024, emphasizing that this success reflects the shared achievements of both states.

He expressed satisfaction that the two sides have been working closely to address challenges and obstacles in several key projects, contributing to Laos’ socio-economic development and further strengthening bilateral ties.

The leader also highlighted the role of regular consultations between the two foreign ministries in fostering strategic exchanges and advising their respective governments on foreign affairs.

Son for his part congratulated Laos on its significant development achievements, and expressed his belief that Laos will successfully organize its grassroots-level Party Congresses in the lead-up to the 12th National Party Congress, thereby building a prosperous and influential nation with a rising position regionally and globally.

He noted the recent high-level meetings between senior leaders of the two countries, emphasizing closer economic, trade, and investment cooperation, aiming to achieve US$2 billion in bilateral trade in 2024. He also acknowledged both sides’ efforts in addressing pending issues in key joint projects.

Meeting with the Vietnamese Deputy PM, Prime Minister Sonexay Siphandone reaffirmed that the Party, State, Government and people of Laos prioritise enhancing the great friendship, special solidarity and comprehensive cooperation with Vietnam.

He noted the high level of political trust between the two countries, reflected in multiple bilateral engagements throughout 2024. He appreciated the Political Consultation mechanism between the two Ministries of Foreign Affairs, recognizing its contribution to bilateral ties and cooperation on regional and international issues.

The PM said he would direct relevant ministries and agencies of Laos to speed up the implementation of previously agreed high-level agreements and expressed hopes of welcoming Prime Minister Phạm Minh Chinh to co-chair the coming 47th Intergovernmental Committee meeting.

He shared that Laos is focusing on implementing Politburo Resolution No. 04 for fostering an independent and self-reliant economy. He sought Vietnam's insights on economic development and encouraged Vietnamese enterprises to invest across various sectors in Laos, contributing to the country’s socio-economic growth and improving the quality of life for its people.

Meanwhile, Son commended Laos’ successful ASEAN Chairmanship in 2024 and reaffirmed Vietnam’s commitment to implementing bilateral agreements and preparing for upcoming joint activities, including the 47th Vietnam – Laos Intergovernmental Committee meeting.

Deputy Prime Minister and Foreign Minister Bui Thanh Son was paying a working visit to Laos, where he co-chaired the 11th Vietnam-Laos Foreign Ministerial Political Consultation with Lao Foreign Minister Thongsavanh Phomvihane in Vientiane on December 16.