PM Chinh arrives in Laos, co-chairs 47th Inter-Governmental Committee meeting

Welcoming the Vietnamese leader and his delegation at the Wattay International Airport included Minister-Head of the PM Office of Laos Buakhong Nammavong, Lao Deputy Foreign Minister Phonsavan Sisoulath, leaders of Vientiane, Lao Ambassador to Vietnam Khamphao Ernthavanh, as well as Vietnamese Ambassador to Lao Nguyen Minh Tam and representatives from the Vietnamese community in the neighbouring country.

In recent times, the political and diplomatic relations between Vietnam and Laos have continued to see positive development, fostering close ties and mutual trust. The two sides successfully organized the 46th meeting of the Vietnam-Laos Intergovernmental Committee on January 7, 2024, and the annual meeting between the two Parties in 2024 on February 26, 2024. They have also actively facilitated high-level visits and exchanges at various levels.

Defence and security cooperation has continued to be strengthened both in quality and scope. The two sides have actively implemented agreements and cooperation plans in the field of defence and security, coordinated efforts in managing immigration, addressing issues of illegal migration and residence, and cracking down on transnational crimes, especially drug-related crimes and human trafficking. Currently, both sides are conducting studies to advance toward signing an extradition agreement.

Economic, trade, and investment cooperation has seen remarkable progress. Both sides have signed a Memorandum of Understanding on Development and Connectivity of Vietnam-Laos Border Trade Infrastructure" and the Vietnam-Laos Trade Agreement. They have effectively carried out the Vietnam-Laos Border Trade Agreement to maximize convenience for businesses and citizens of both countries.

Vietnam currently has 241 active investment projects in Laos with a total registered capital of over US$5.5 billion, maintaining its position as the third-largest investor after China and Thailand). The Vietnam-Laos trade turnover during the past ten months of 2024 reached US$1.7 billion, an increase of 28.2% compared to the same period in 2023.

The two sides have completed and handed over projects such as the Nongkhang Airport (May 15, 2023, Houaphanh) and the Friendship Hospital in Xieng Khouang Province (May 17, 2023). Vietjet has also launched a direct flight route from Ho Chi Minh City to Vientiane (February 25). Some projects facing obstacles are currently being addressed.

Cooperation in education, training, and culture has continued to receive attention, with active implementation of the Vietnam-Laos Education Cooperation Project for 2021-2030, the Protocol on Vietnam-Laos Training Cooperation for 2022-2027, and the Vietnam-Laos Culture, Arts, and Tourism Cooperation Plan for 2021-2025. Additionally, Vietnam has supported Laos in developing its Sports Development Strategy for 2023-2030. Currently, more than 14,000 Lao students are studying at over 170 educational institutions across Vietnam.

Collaboration between localities, especially those sharing borders, has been further strengthened, becoming increasingly specific, in-depth, and comprehensive across multiple fields, ensuring security and safety in border areas of the two countries.

The two sides have closely coordinated and supported each other at regional and international cooperation forums, particularly within ASEAN, the United Nations, and sub-regional mechanisms. In 2024, Vietnam actively supported and assisted Laos in successfully undertaking key international roles, such as the Chairmanship of ASEAN in 2024 and the Chairmanship of the 45th General Assembly of the ASEAN Inter-Parliamentary Assembly (AIPA-45).

During the working trip, PM Pham Minh Chinh is set to co-chair the 47th meeting of the Vietnam-Laos Inter-Governmental Committee and the Laos-Vietnam Investment Cooperation Conference alongside his Lao counterpart Sonexay Siphandone.

He will hold talks and meetings with key Lao leaders, engage with former Lao leaders, and collaborate with various Lao ministries. Additionally, he will take part in joint Vietnam-Laos events.

The visit aims to implement the outcomes of the two Politburos’ meeting in September 2024, prepare for the 2025 trilateral meeting among the leaders of the ruling parties of Cambodia, Laos, and Vietnam, and lay the groundwork for significant events in bilateral relations and the domestic agendas of each country.

Both sides will explore measures to step up political and diplomatic cooperation, strengthen security and defense ties, and foster economic, trade, and investment partnerships. They will also focus on advancing educational and cultural exchanges, deepening economic connectivity through transportation and business linkages, and ensuring the effective implementation of key joint projects.