Vientiane (VNA) – The Vietnamese Ministry ofForeign Affairs will continue the close cooperation with its Lao counterpart tokeep solidifying the two countries’ special relationship for the sake of theirpeoples and the success of their respective revolutionary causes.

Deputy Prime Minister and Foreign Minister PhamBinh Minh made the commitment while meeting with Party General Secretary andPresident of Laos Bounnhang Vorachith and Prime Minister Thongloun Sisoulith.

The meetings were part of his official visit toLaos on December 25-26, during which he also co-chaired the third politicalconsultation at the foreign ministerial level.

Talking to the Lao leaders, he hailed thecountry’s massive development achievements under the leadership of the LaoPeople’s Revolutionary Party and Government. He also congratulated Laos on itssuccessful performance as the ASEAN Chair in 2016.

Welcoming Minh’s official visit, the top leadersof Laos described the political consultation between the foreign ministers asan important cooperation mechanism for both sides to discuss strategic issuesso that the foreign ministries can coordinate effectively to advise theirrespective Party and State leaders about diplomatic works.

They also appreciated the great and wholeheartedassistance that the Vietnamese Party, National Assembly, Government and peoplehas given to the Lao counterparts. They noted Laos always treasures the time-testedfriendship, special unity and comprehensive cooperation between the twocountries.

The leaders thanked Vietnam for supporting theirnation in acting as the ASEAN Chair this year, which has helped Laos raise itsstature in the world.

They hoped the two sides will tighten links inthe time ahead, adding that closer coordination is needed to prepare foractivities marking 55 years of their diplomatic relations and 40 years sincethe signing of the Vietnam-Laos Treaty of Friendship and Cooperation in 2017.


During the talks between Minh and his Laocounterpart Saleumxay Kommasith, the officials noted with satisfaction theextensive and effective development of their countries’ relations in allfields.

Both sides have worked together to tackledifficulties and obstacles to enhance economic partnerships, especially inaccelerating projects on energy and transport connectivity, improving thecooperation effectiveness in education, training and human resourcesdevelopment, and managing and using financial assistance to Laos, the ministersnoted.

They pledged to direct their ministries to keepcoordination to serve the countries’ exchange of visits and boost theeffectiveness of existing cooperation mechanisms. They will also urge relevantministries and agencies to carry out high-level agreements, particularly thejoint statements issued during the recent mutual visits by Lao Party GeneralSecretary and President Bounnhang Vorachith and Vietnamese Party GeneralSecretary Nguyen Phu Trong.

The ministries will also work closely toorganise various activities celebrating the 55th founding anniversary bilateralties and 40 years since the signing of the Vietnam-Laos Treaty of Friendshipand Cooperation in 2017, thereby helping to educate younger generations aboutthe countries’ special solidarity.

At the talks, the two sides exchanged viewpointson regional and international matters of common concern, including thestrategic environment in Asia-Pacific, cooperation within ASEAN, thedevelopment of the Greater Mekong Sub-region and the sustainable use of theMekong River’s water resources, and the East Sea issues.

They agreed to push ahead with closecollaboration at regional and international forums, proactively and activelyshare information, exchange viewpoints and coordinate stances through allchannels and at all levels.

Following the talks, the Diplomatic Academy ofVietnam presented the title of honorary doctor to Lao Foreign MinisterSaleumxay Kommasith.-VNA