Lao, Vietnamese foreign ministers hold talks on bilateral ties

Laos and Vietnam have agreed to enhance cooperation in a wide range of areas during talks between the two countries’ foreign ministers held in Vientiane on Thursday.
Vietnam’s Minister of Foreign Affairs, Bui Thanh Son, is paying an official visit to Laos from April 27-29 at the invitation of his Lao counterpart Saleumxay Kommasith, the Lao Ministry of Foreign Affairs said in a press statement.
The two ministers co-chaired the 9th ministerial political consultative meeting and discussed ways to enhance the great relations, special solidarity and comprehensive cooperation between the two neighbours.
The ministers exchanged views on a wide range of areas and discussed future cooperation plans to elevate cooperation mechanisms between the two ministries, in a bid to fulfil the direction of cooperation advised by the leaders of the two countries.

The ministers agreed to work together to follow up and address any difficulties hindering bilateral relations and to cooperate in a timely and effective manner.
The two sides said they highly valued the friendly relations, special solidarity and comprehensive cooperation between Laos and Vietnam and the two ministries.
Leaders of the two countries have maintained regular contact and exchanges of visits despite the ongoing Covid-19 pandemic.
The visit to Laos is the first by Mr Bui Thanh Son as Vietnam’s foreign minister. It comes as the two countries celebrate the 60th anniversary of diplomatic relations and the 45th anniversary of the Laos-Vietnam Treaty of Friendship and Cooperation.
The ministers agreed to strengthen cooperation in the fields of politics, national defence and security, as well as foreign affairs, creating fundamental conditions for the continuation and enhancement of the special relations between the two nations.
They also agreed to work jointly to promote and facilitate cooperation in trade, investment and transportation, as well as reciprocal visits.
Two-way trade between Laos and Vietnam reached US$1.3 billion in 2021, an increase of nearly 30 percent compared to the previous year.
Vietnam is a leading foreign investor in Laos and has invested in 426 projects with a total value of more than US$4.3 billion. 
The ministers agreed to promote cooperation in clean agriculture and commodities manufacturing, in accordance with the potential of the two countries.
The meeting also resulted in consensus on the need for joint efforts to realise unfinished cooperation projects.
Both sides agreed to continue to extend mutual support in bilateral and multilateral forums, especially within the United Nations and Asean, as well as Laos’ preparations to assume the Asean chair in 2024.
The ministers briefed each other on the progress of socio-economic development in their respective countries, and exchanged views on regional and international issues of common interest.
During his visit, minister Bui Thanh Son called on President Thongloun Sisoulith, President of the National Assembly Dr Xaysomphone Phomvihane, and Prime Minister Phankham Viphavanh. Through the minister, the Lao leaders extended their greetings to their Vietnamese counterparts.

By Times Reporters
 (Latest Update April 29, 2022)