Vietnam, Laos hold seventh political consultation

Those in attendance at the event also included Laotian Ambassador to Vietnam Sengphet Houngboungnuang, alongside leaders of many units under the two foreign ministries of both countries.

The two sides used the event to express their delight at the positive and sustainable development of the great friendship, special solidarity, and comprehensive co-operation that exists between Vietnam and Laos, including contributions made by the two foreign ministries.

In particular, the two foreign ministries have co-ordinated efforts with relevant ministries, branches, and localities of the two countries in order to successfully organise many meaningful activities during the course of "Vietnam - Laos, Laos - Vietnam Year of Solidarity and Friendship 2022". This includes the 60th anniversary of the two nations' diplomatic relations and the 45th anniversary of the signing of the Treaty of Amity and Cooperation between the two sides.

Both nations were also satisfied with the results achieved in defence and security ties. Elsewhere, economic, trade, and investment co-operation has made positive progress, with two-way trade turnover in the first 10 months of the year reaching more than US$1.4 billion, up 28.2% over the same period from 2021.

Furthermore, Vietnam holds its place as the third largest direct investor in Laos.

Greater attention has therefore been given to other important areas of co-operation such as education and training, energy, transportation, agriculture, culture, tourism, and local linkages.

The two deputy FMs highly agreed on orientations and measures aimed at further promoting the roles of the two foreign ministries as a means of contributing to continuously strengthening the close and trusted political relations, as well as bilateral ties.

Regarding co-operation between the two foreign ministries, both sides consented to continue competently implementing the co-operation agreement between the two ministries for the 2021 to 2025 period. This is along with regularly maintaining and promoting the effectiveness of consultation mechanisms at ministerial and deputy ministerial levels.

They also agreed to strengthen the exchange of information, professional experience, and co-ordination between the respective units of the two ministries, especially in the study of foreign policy and strategy. Other areas include economic diplomacy and issues relating consular, expatriates, border, and training.

With regard to international and regional issues of shared concern, the two diplomats agreed that amid complicated global and regional developments, the two sides must promote closer co-ordination and offer mutual support at international and regional forums. This is particularly true at the UN, ASEAN, and sub-regional co-operation mechanisms, especially in strategic issues related to peace and stability in the region.

Deputy FM Hieu affirmed that Vietnam will closely co-ordinate and provide maximum support for Laos to help it successfully assume the role of ASEAN Chair in 2024.

The previous day, the Vietnam Ministry of Foreign Affairs held a ceremony to launch a book "Le Van Hien, the first Vietnamese Ambassador to Laos" and the special issue of the World and Vietnam newspapers. This was done to celebrate the 60th anniversary of both nations' diplomatic relations and the 45th anniversary of the signing of the Vietnam – Laos Treaty of Amity and Cooperation.