(KPL/VNA) Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Foreign Affairs Bui Thanh Son held talks with Lao Minister of Foreign Affairs Thongsavanh Phomvihane in Hanoi on February 14, as part of the latter’s three-day visit starting from February 12.

Son welcomed Phomvihane on his first overseas official visit as the Lao FM this year, a crucial time as both countries prepare for their respective National Party Congresses.

He believed that the visit will yield substantive outcomes, further solidifying close-knit ties between the two foreign ministries, contributing to the great friendship, special solidarity and comprehensive cooperation between the two nations.

Phomvihane praised Vietnam’s socio-economic achievements in recent years, noting its rising global stature, especially under the leadership of the Communist Party of Vietnam and the effective governance of the Government.

Both sides expressed satisfaction with the continued strong, effective and substantive development of Vietnam-Laos cooperation across various sectors. Political trust has been further reinforced through regular high-level delegation exchanges and cooperation mechanisms, notably the meeting between the two Politburos in September 2024, the 47th session of the Vietnam-Laos Inter-Governmental Committee in January 2025, and the political consultation at the foreign ministerial level in December 2024.

Two-way trade hit 2.25 billion USD last year. To achieve the target of 5 billion USD set by the two Prime Ministers, both sides agreed to expedite the issuance of preferential policies and incentives for bilateral trade, strengthen economic connectivity, particularly by improving border trade infrastructure to facilitate the smooth flow of goods between border areas.

They acknowledged the drastic and effective leadership of the two Politburos in addressing challenges to key projects, generating momentum for major projects in the time ahead.

Host and guest promised to effectively carry out the 2021–2025 cooperation agreement and collaborate on building a cooperation framework for the next phase. They also reaffirmed their commitment to maintaining political consultations at foreign ministerial and deputy ministerial levels.

Highlighting the importance of raising public awareness of the special Vietnam-Laos solidarity, particularly among the younger diplomats, they pledged to continue supporting the Vietnamese community in Laos. This includes ensuring stable livelihoods and addressing key issues such as granting citizenship and residency cards for long-term Vietnamese residents in accordance with Lao regulations.

On global and regional issues of shared interest, they consented to work closely together and offer mutual support at multilateral forums, particularly within ASEAN and Mekong sub-regional cooperation mechanisms. They also expressed strong support for ASEAN’s common stance on strategic regional issues, including the East Sea.

Following the talks, Phomvihane presented Orders and certificates of merit from the Lao Party and State to Vietnamese Foreign Ministry’ collectives and individuals, recognising their invaluable contributions to the Vietnam-Laos Friendship Year 2022.

KPL