During the meeting, both sides conveyed warm greetings between Party General Secretary To Lam, President Luong Cuong, Prime Minister Pham Minh Chinh, and National Assembly Chairman Tran Thanh Man, and General Secretary and President Xi Jinping, Premier Li Qiang, and Chairman of the Standing Committee of the National People’s Congress Zhao Leji.

They expressed satisfaction with each country’s recent socio-economic achievements, and welcomed the positive trajectory and outcomes of Viet Nam–China relations.

Emphasizing the importance of further strengthening ties, Deputy PM Bui Thanh Son proposed continuing to coordinate closely in promoting and effectively organizing high-level exchanges and visits; advancing substantive defence and security cooperation; enhancing the quality and effectiveness of collaboration in all fields, with top priority given to railway projects, including the commencement of the Lao Cai-Ha Noi-Hai Phong line in 2025; promoting balanced and sustainable trade; and fostering investment in major, symbolic projects. He also called for making science and technology cooperation a new highlight of the relationship.

He reaffirmed Vietnam’s commitment to MLC cooperation, appreciated China’s contributions and the joint efforts of Mekong countries over the past decade, and proposed enhancing sustainable, effective management of Mekong–Lancang water resources.

In response, FM Wang Yi affirmed China’s readiness to work closely to effectively realize high-level common perceptions with a focus on promoting upcoming high-level exchanges. He said China is willing to expand economic and trade cooperation, increase imports of Vietnamese goods, strengthen transport infrastructure connectivity, boost high-quality investment, and expand cooperation in science and technology, artificial intelligence, the digital economy, environmental protection, commercial aircraft, and power grid interconnection, thus contributing to each country’s growth objectives.

Acknowledging Vietnam’s active contributions and important role in the MLC framework, Minister Wang called on member states, including Vietnam, to strengthen coordination toward another successful decade, elevate Mekong–Lancang cooperation to new heights, expand into additional fields, deliver practical benefits to the people, and contribute to peace, cooperation, development, and prosperity in the region.

On sea issues, the two sides agreed to manage differences well and maintain peace and stability in the East Sea. Deputy PM Bui Thanh Son urged both sides to respect each other’s sovereignty, sovereign rights, and jurisdiction in maritime zones in the East Sea established in accordance with international law, particularly the 1982 UNCLOS; refrain from unilateral actions that could complicate the situation; properly deal with issues related to fishing vessels and fishermen; and persist in resolving disputes and differences by peaceful means.

The two ministers also exchanged views on other international and regional matters of shared concern.

The same day, Deputy PM Bui Thanh Son met with Lao Foreign Minister Thongsavanh Phomvihane on the sidelines of the event.

He congratulated Laos on its socio-economic progress, including curbing inflation and increasing budget reserves; reaffirmed Vietnam’s high priority on reinforcing the traditional friendship with Laos; extended sympathy over the recent natural disasters and floods in northern and central Laos; and wished the country a swift recovery.

Minister Thongsavanh affirmed that Laos always treasures and preserves the special Laos–Vietnam relationship, noting that recent achievements were made possible in part through Vietnam’s strong support. He expressed sincere thanks for the warm sentiments, and congratulated Vietnam’s Ministry of Foreign Affairs on the successful organization of its 1st Party Congress (2025–2030 term).

Both ministers commended the strong momentum in bilateral relations, underscored the importance of regular high-level visits in providing timely direction, and agreed to work hand in hand in preparing for upcoming high-level activities and bilateral cooperation mechanisms, including Lao General Secretary and President Thongloun Sisoulith’s visit to Vietnam for the 80th anniversary of the August Revolution and National Day (September 2). They pledged to make economic cooperation a true pillar of the relationship, and Minister Thongsavanh welcomed Vietnam’s active sharing of development experience to help Laos build an independent, self-reliant economy.

The two sides committed to greater coordination and mutual support at international, regional, and subregional forums, and, together with other member countries, to maintaining unity and reinforcing ASEAN’s central role in addressing common challenges effectively.

Regarding cooperation between the two foreign ministries, they concurred to fully carry out the signed Cooperation Agreement, maintain ministerial-level political consultations and vice-ministerial-level consultations, intensify strategic exchanges and research, and step up regular exchanges between their affiliated units.

Vietnam puts forth proposals at 9th Mekong – Lancang Foreign Ministers’ Meeting

Deputy Minister of Foreign Affairs Nguyen Minh Hang affirmed Vietnam's strong commitment to and effective contributions to the Mekong-Lancang Cooperation (MLC) at the 9th MLC Foreign Ministers’ Meeting in Chiang Mai, Thailand, on August 16, which saw the participation of representatives from Cambodia, Laos, Myanmar, Thailand, China and Vietnam.

Vietnam pledges combined efforts for stronger Mekong - Lancang cooperation

VOV.VN - The Vietnamese Government always places importance to the Mekong - Lancang Cooperation (MLC) and will continue joining hands with China and other Mekong nations to boost the strong, effective, and sustainable development of this cooperation mechanism.