Deputy PM, FM Pham Binh Minh pays official visit to Laos

Vietnamese Deputy Prime Minister and Foreign Minister Pham Binh Minh (L) meets with LPRP General Secretary and President Bounnhang Vorachith (Photo: VNA)

Minh made the statement at separate meetings with Lao leaders, including General Secretary of the Lao People’s Revolutionary Party (LPRP) and President Bounnhang Vorachith, Prime Minister Thongloun Sisoulith, and Chairwoman of the National Assembly Pany Yathotou on December 19, as part of his official visit to the country from December 18-19 to co-chair the fifth foreign ministerial-level consultation with Lao FM Saleumxay Kommasith.

The Lao leaders spoke highly of the annual consultation mechanism, saying that it has helped the two foreign ministers discuss strategic issues to give effective and timely recommendations in bolstering bilateral cooperation to Party and State leaders of both nations.

LPRP General Secretary and President Bounnhang Vorachith affirmed that the Lao Party and State always attach importance to nurturing the traditional friendship, special solidarity and comprehensive cooperation between Laos and Vietnam.

PM Thongloun Sisoulith expressed his pleasure at the positive development of bilateral relations, especially the close coordination between the two governments and the connecting role of the two foreign ministries.

Meanwhile, NA Chairwoman Pany Yathotou promised to support necessary changes and supplements in mechanisms, policies and laws in order to further boost trade and investment ties between Laos and Vietnam.

Earlier, Minh hold talks with his Lao counterpart Saleumxay Kommasith, during which they discussed measures to foster bilateral relations and exchanged views on several regional and international issues of mutual concern.

Both diplomats said they were delighted at the extensive and effective development of the traditional friendship, special solidarity and comprehensive cooperation in all spheres such as politics, foreign affairs, security, defence, economy, trade, investment, and education.

They agreed to increase the exchange of high-level visits and meetings, effectively carry out the existing cooperation mechanisms, and work with competent ministries and branches to make meticulous preparations for the 41st meeting of the Vietnam-Laos Intergovernmental Committee scheduled to take place in early 2019 in Vietnam.

They held that the two foreign ministries have enjoyed practical and effective cooperation through a wide range of cooperation mechanisms like the foreign ministerial-level consultation, the deputy minister-level political consultation, border meetings and human resources training.

The two FMs agreed that in the context of complicated developments in the world, the two ministries need to step up discussions on regional and international issues based on mutual trust and understanding.

Sharing their viewpoints on several international issues, including the Asia-Pacific situation, ASEAN Cooperation, Mekong sub-region collaboration and sustainable water use, and the East Sea, they consented to continue close coordination at regional and international forums to elevate thr position of each country in the international arena.

Right after the talks, on behalf of Party, State and Government leaders, the two FMs presented orders and medals to units and individuals of the two foreign ministries, who have made significant contributions to promoting the Vietnam-Laos special solidarity.-VNA

Source: VNA