Vientiane (VNA) – TheVietnamese Ministry of Foreign Affairs will continue close coordination with itsLao counterpart to consolidate and tighten the Vietnam-Laos special relationsfor benefits of their people, Deputy Prime Minister and Foreign Minister PhamBinh Minh has said.

Minh made the statement at separate meetings with Lao leaders, includingGeneral Secretary of the Lao People’s Revolutionary Party (LPRP) and PresidentBounnhang Vorachith, Prime Minister Thongloun Sisoulith, and Chairwoman of theNational Assembly Pany Yathotou on December 19, as part of his official visitto the country from December 18-19 to co-chair the fifth foreign ministerial-levelconsultation with Lao FM Saleumxay Kommasith.

The Lao leaders spoke highly of the annual consultation mechanism, saying thatit has helped the two foreign ministers discuss strategic issues to giveeffective and timely recommendations in bolstering bilateral cooperation to Partyand State leaders of both nations.

LPRP General Secretary and PresidentBounnhang Vorachith affirmed that the Lao Party and State always attachimportance to nurturing the traditional friendship, special solidarity andcomprehensive cooperation between Laos and Vietnam.

PM Thongloun Sisoulith expressed hispleasure at the positive development of bilateral relations, especially theclose coordination between the two governments and the connecting role of thetwo foreign ministries.

Meanwhile, NA Chairwoman Pany Yathotoupromised to support necessary changes and supplements in mechanisms, policiesand laws in order to further boost trade and investment ties between Laos andVietnam.


Earlier, Minh hold talks with his Lao counterpart Saleumxay Kommasith, duringwhich they discussed measures to foster bilateral relations and exchanged viewson several regional and international issues of mutual concern.

Both diplomats said they were delighted at the extensive and effectivedevelopment of the traditional friendship, special solidarity and comprehensivecooperation in all spheres such as politics, foreign affairs, security, defence,economy, trade, investment, and education.

They agreed to increase the exchange of high-level visits and meetings, effectivelycarry out the existing cooperation mechanisms, and work with competentministries and branches to make meticulous preparations for the 41st meeting of the Vietnam-Laos Intergovernmental Committee scheduled to take placein early 2019 in Vietnam.

They held that the two foreign ministries have enjoyed practical and effectivecooperation through a wide range of cooperation mechanisms like the foreignministerial-level consultation, the deputy minister-level politicalconsultation, border meetings and human resources training.

The two FMs agreed that in the context of complicated developments in the world,the two ministries need to step up discussions on regional and internationalissues based on mutual trust and understanding.

Sharing their viewpoints on several international issues, including theAsia-Pacific situation, ASEAN Cooperation, Mekong sub-region collaboration andsustainable water use, and the East Sea, they consented to continue closecoordination at regional and international forums to elevate thr position ofeach country in the international arena.

Right after the talks, on behalf of Party, State and Government leaders, thetwo FMs presented orders and medals to units and individuals of the two foreignministries, who have made significant contributions to promoting theVietnam-Laos special solidarity.-VNA