The party-state leader receives a visit from the PM of Vietnam

Party Secretary General and State President Thongloun Sisoulith on Friday welcomed Vietnam’s Prime Minister Pham Minh Chinh during his visit to Laos.
PM Chinh visited Laos on January 9-10 to co-chair the 47th meeting of the Laos-Vietnam Intergovernmental Committee with his Lao counterpart, Sonexay Siphandone.

President Thongloun Sisoulith (right) welcomes Prime Minister Pham Minh Chinh at the Administration Office of the Lao People’s Revolutionary Party’s Central Committee.

During discussions with President Thongloun, the leaders highly valued the long-standing friendly relations, special solidarity, and comprehensive cooperation that have characterised Laos-Vietnam ties over the years. They noted that bilateral ties have consistently developed across various sectors, particularly in politics, national defense, security, and economic cooperation.
The Lao Ministry of Foreign Affairs stated in a press release that both sides reaffirmed their commitment to advancing economic cooperation, trade, and investment to match their strong political collaboration.
In 2024, two-way trade between Laos and Vietnam exceeded US$2 billion, marking a 34 percent increase from 2023.
President Thongloun highly valued PM Chinh’s visit and congratulated him on the successful outcomes of the 47th meeting of the Laos-Vietnam Intergovernmental Committee, where both sides agreed to work together to realise key cooperation agreements reached upon by the two Parties and governments. They included the joint development and operation of Vung Ang Port in Vietnam’s Ha Tinh province, a planned railway linking Laos’ capital Vientiane to the seaport, Vientiane-Hanoi Highway projects, electricity trade initiatives, construction of a coal-fired power plant, and the establishment of Laos-Vietnam Friendship Park.
The Party Secretary General conveyed his greetings to General Secretary of the Communist Party of Vietnam’s Central Committee To Lam, President Luong Cuong, National Assembly Chairman Tran Thanh Man, and other leaders and people of Vietnam.
On behalf of Laos’ Party, state, National Assembly, army, and people, President Thongloun expressed heartfelt gratitude for Vietnam’s invaluable support and assistance over the years. This includes supporting for Laos’ chairmanship of ASEAN, ASEAN Inter-Parliamentary Assembly and related meetings in 2024 as well as aid reliefs for flooded victims.
In light of the recent New Year celebrations and the upcoming Vietnamese New Year (Tet), which marks the Lunar New Year’s first day, President Thongloun extended best wishes to PM Chinh and his family as well as other Vietnamese leaders and citizens.
Additionally, President Thongloun congratulated Vietnam on its victory in the AFF Cup for the third time.
For his part, PM Chinh expressed sincere gratitude for the warm hospitality extended to him and his delegation. He briefed President Thongloun on the successful outcomes of the 47th meeting of the Laos-Vietnam Intergovernmental Committee.
During his visit, PM Chinh also engaged with several Lao leaders including Vice President Bounthong Chitmany and National Assembly President Dr Xaysomphone Phomvihane.

By Times Reporters
 (Latest Update January 13, 2025)