Vietnamese PM meets with Lao counterpart on ASEAN Summit sidelines
PM Pham Minh Chinh considered the meeting with his Lao counterpart as an opportunity for the two PMs to discuss measures for translating high-level political agreements into concrete action.
Vietnamese Prime Minister Pham Minh Chinh (L) meets with his Lao counterpart Sonexay Siphandone on the sidelines of the 46th ASEAN Summit and Related Summits in Malaysia. (Photo: VNA)
Kuala Lumpur (VNA) – Vietnamese Prime Minister Pham Minh Chinh had a meeting with his Lao counterpart Sonexay Siphandone on May 26 as both leaders are attending the 46th ASEAN Summit and Related Summits in Malaysia.
At the event, PM Chinh expressed his profound gratitude to the Lao leaders for their condolences over the passing of former State President Tran Duc Luong. He described Lao Vice President Pany Yathotou's attendance at the funeral for the late leader as a powerful symbol of the close fraternal relations between the two nations.
Vietnam attaches special importance to its relationship with Laos and remains committed to nurturing and developing the ties sustainably and substantively, PM Chinh noted, stressing this meeting provided an opportunity for the two PMs to discuss measures for translating high-level political agreements into concrete action.
The Vietnamese leader asked relevant ministries and agencies from both countries to actively coordinate to fruitfully implement the important projects designed to integrate their economies regarding transport, infrastructure, trade, human resources, and supply chains. He underscored Vietnam's continued commitment to sharing experiences and supporting Laos in developing policies on national development, education – training, and digital transformation.
🐓 PM Siphandone thanked Vietnam for its unwavering support throughout Laos' struggle for national liberation in the past and its ongoing development efforts.
Vietnam and Laos have enjoyed close fraternal relations. (Photo: VNA)
He confirmed that the Lao Government will work closely with the Vietnamese Government to carry out key bilateral cooperation projects on schedule.
The two PMs concurred that their countries will strengthen coordination in implementing high-level bilateral agreements while increasing delegation exchanges at all levels to continuously consolidate their special political trust and solidarity. Security cooperation emerged as another priority, with both sides pledging to coordinate efforts in maintaining security, order, and social safety.
🐻 Economic cooperation took centre stage in their discussion as both PMs emphasised the need to strengthen connectivity between their economies in terms of transport infrastructure, energy, telecommunications, and tourism, including accelerating the construction of Hanoi-Vientiane Expressway and the Vientiane-Vung Ang railway./.
Vietnam and the Philippines should give high priority to exchanges of high-level and all-level delegations; facilitate bilateral trade with the goal of raising two-way trade to 10 billion USD at an early date; and strengthen cooperation in ensuring food security and combating climate change.
In his opening speech, Malaysian Prime Minister Anwar Ibrahim expressed Malaysia’s honour to take the 2025 ASEAN Chairmanship. Noting the significance of 2025 as the 10th founding anniversary of the ASEAN Community, he underscored the summit’s role in shaping the bloc’s future through the adoption of the ASEAN Community Vision 2045.
Prime Minister Pham Minh Chinh attended and delivered a keynote address at the ASEAN Leadership and Partnership Forum (ALPF) held in Kuala Lumpur on May 25, where he was honoured with the Distinguished ASEAN Leader Award for 2025 by the KSI Strategic Institute for Asia Pacific.
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Long spoke highly of the dynamic, positive, and comprehensive development of Vietnam – Russia relations in recent years. He affirmed that the Vietnamese Party and State place great importance on further strengthening the comprehensive strategic partnership with Russia in a substantive and effective manner, in line with the development needs of both nations.
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Reality is the ultimate benchmark for success, he said, urging drafting agencies to work out policies that foster development, reduce bureaucratic hurdles, and respect practical conditions.
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The Party chief underscored the need for the press to innovate relentlessly, evolve to keep pace with the country's development, transform into a truly professional, humanistic, and modern sector that serves the cause of the Party, the State, and the people on the path to national construction and development.
The UN Secretary-General praised Vietnam’s remarkable achievements in socio-economic development and international integration in recent years, noting that the country has emerged as a model in implementing the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), promoting international peace and security, and engaging in key UN processes.
Nghia affirmed that this is a milestone of special significance, affirming and honouring the the Vietnamese revolutionary press’s glorious tradition of 100 years of serving the revolutionary cause of the Party, serving the Fatherland, and serving the people.
The Party and State of Vietnam always attach great importance to and give top priority to the development of Vietnam–China relations. Vietnam is ready to work with the Chinese Party and State to further deepen the Comprehensive Strategic Cooperative Partnership and promote the building of the Vietnam-China community with a shared future that carries strategic significance.
Under the leadership of President Ho Chi Minh and the CPV, President Cuong said, the press has been a steadfast force on the ideological and cultural front, rallying the masses to pursue national aspirations.
NA Chairman Tran Thanh Man stressed the need to accelerate the application of artificial intelligence and smart teaching equipment, innovate teaching and assessment methods, and further improve the quality of formal education.
He also pledged that the NA will promote its ongoing supervision, making sure that every promise must lead to results, and every commitment must bring about real changes.
Minister of Industry and Trade Nguyen Hong Dien welcomed the proposals put forward by the US side and reiterated Vietnam’s request for consideration of key areas of interest, including reciprocal tariff policies and access for Vietnamese key export products to the US market.
Deputy PM Le Thanh Long proposed countries promote shared values, including building trust, sincerity, and solidarity among nations and peoples; fostering cooperation spirit and responsible behaviour as well as upholding international law and the UN Charter; and placing people at the centre and as the goal, the key player, and the driving force of all policies.
The show, together with a grand parade to be held silmutaneously at Ba Dinh Square in Hanoi, will celebrate the 80th anniversary of the August Revolution, the National Day, and the General Staff of the Vietnam People’s Army (VPA).
In particular, in April 2023, the two sides successfully carried out a joint operation that dismantled a major organised, transnational drug trafficking ring involving both Vietnamese and Cambodian suspects.
The Vietnamese Embassy in Israel is closely coordinating with relevant local agencies to stay informed and provide the utmost support possible for Vietnamese nationals.
The launch of Thanh Nien (Young People) newspaper in 1925, even before the founding of the Communist Party of Vietnam, is considered a testament to President Ho Chi Minh’s strategic foresight and strong belief in the guiding power of the revolutionary media.
