NA Chairman Hue meets with Lao senior leaders

Meeting with the Lao Party and State leader, NA Chairman Hue proposed that Vietnam and Laos closely coordinate and seriously carry out their high-level agreements, and well prepare for meetings between their high-ranking leaders and for the 46th Meeting of the Vietnam-Laos Inter-Governmental Committee.

Hailing recent outcomes in the Vietnam-Laos relations, which has seen significant contributions of their legislative bodies, the Lao leader recommended the nations continue to coordinate in resolving issues remained and make breakthroughs in their economy-trade-investment cooperation, transforming these areas in terms of quality to be commensurate with their political relationship. He suggested both sides outline suitable policy mechanisms to promote their bilateral trade and investment and connect their economies.

Sisoulith said he hoped that Vietnam would continue to incentivize its enterprises to expand investment and business in Laos, prioritising such sectors as energy, transport connectivity, and minerals.

The two leaders affirmed that Vietnam and Laos will go ahead with their close coordination and mutual support at international and regional forums, especially the United Nations and the Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN), as well as sub-regional cooperation mechanisms.

Vietnam always supports and stays ready to provide maximum assistance for Laos to successfully assume its 2024 role as the chair of ASEAN and ASEAN Inter-Parliamentary Assembly, helping elevate the country’s role and position in the region and the world.

On this occasion, through the Vietnamese top legislator, the General Secretary of the Lao People's Revolutionary Party (LPRP) Central Committee and President of Laos  respectfully sent greetings and good health wishes to Party General Secretary Nguyen Phu Trong, President Vo Van Thuong, Prime Minister Pham Minh Chinh and other Vietnamese Party and State leaders.

Meeting with Lao Prime Minister Sonexay Siphandone the same day, the Vietnamese NA leader said that  Vietnam supports and is ready to provide maximum assistance to Laos to help it successfully perform the roles as 2024 Chair of ASEAN and the ASEAN Inter-Parliamentary Assembly (AIPA).

He affirmed that Vietnam always gives top priority to its unique traditional relationship with Laos, stands by, and strongly supports Laos’ national protection, construction, innovation, and development efforts.

He stressed that the Vietnamese and Lao parliaments will closely coordinate with each other, continue to create a favourable legal framework for the two governments to augment cooperation, and supervise the effective implementation of the sides’ collaboration agreements, including those made at the 45th meeting of the Vietnam-Laos Inter-Governmental Committee.

Hue highlighted Vietnam's wish to soon welcome the Lao PM in the country and co-chair the 46th meeting of the inter-governmental committee, with Siphandone accepting the invitation.

For his part, the Lao PM said Hue’s current working visit contributes to nurturing the countries’ great friendship, special solidarity, and comprehensive cooperation and to demonstrating Vietnam’s strong support for Laos’ hosting role.

He also hailed the opening of a direct flight route from Ho Chi Minh City to Vientiane by the Vietnamese carrier Vietjet Air, with four flights per week starting from early 2024.

At their meeting, the two leaders showed their elation at the recent achievements in Vietnam-Laos relations and agreed that there is a need for the nations’ close coordination, serious implementation of high-level agreements, good preparation for high-level meetings and the 46th meeting.

It is essential to beef up trade and investment cooperation and enhance connectivity between the two economies, regarding the areas of infrastructure, institutions, digital economy, finance, and banking, they said.

They underlined the importance of continued attention to resolving difficulties facing the countries’ businesses and key cooperation projects.

They concurred to support and offer optimal conditions for Vietnamese firms to promote investment in Laos. Additionally, both countries are able to cooperate in three key areas of large-scale high-tech agriculture, renewable energy, and mineral exploitation.