Hanoi (VNA) – Prime Minister Pham Minh Chinh received visiting Lao Deputy PM and Minister of Foreign Affairs Saleumxay Kommasith in Hanoi on July 5.

Welcoming Kommasith on a working visit to Vietnam as head of Laos’ central steering committee for trade and transport facilitation, PM Chinh said he believes the trip will be successful and substantially contribute to the unceasing reinforcement of the great friendship, special solidarity, and comprehensive cooperation between the two countries.

The host leader also asked the two foreign ministries to maintain close coordination to prepare for the coming high-level visits.

For his part, Kommasith thanked the Vietnamese Government for the top priority it has consistently given to the enhancement of bilateral relations.

He affirmed that the Party, State, and people of Laos will continue joining hands with their Vietnamese counterparts to nurture the countries’ great friendship, special solidarity, and comprehensive cooperation.

Earlier, Vietnamese Deputy PM Tran Luu Quang held talks with the Lao Deputy PM and Foreign Minister.

Both officials expressed their delight at the significant cooperation achievements obtained recently, especially the close coordination and the increase of delegation exchanges, high-level meetings, and bilateral cooperation mechanisms.

They noted that defence - security cooperation remains an important pillar of the two countries’ partnership. Bilateral trade rose 11% year on year to 780 million USD during the first five months of 2024. Besides, Vietnam now has 255 valid projects worth about 5.5 billion USD in Laos, and they are operating fruitfully.

The two Deputy PMs shared the view that amid complex developments in the world and the region, it is necessary to keep promoting cooperation pillars; thoroughly deal with some outstanding problems to step up such key projects as Vung Ang Terminals 1, 2 and 3, along with road and railway transport connection projects; and continue to expand and improve the effectiveness of collaboration in education - training, culture, and people-to-people ties.

With regard to international and regional issues of common concern, they agreed that facing fast and complicated developments in the world and the region, the two sides should boost sharing information and coordinate closely at regional and international forums.

ꦇ On this occasion, Kommasith and the Lao delegation had a working session with Vietnamese Minister of Foreign Affairs Bui Thanh Son and Minister of Industry and Trade Nguyen Hong Dien./.