(KPL) On October 8, Lao Prime Minister Sonexay Siphandone met with his Vietnamese counterpart, Prime Minister Pham Minh Chinh, in Vientiane during the 44th and 45th ASEAN Summit and related meetings. The two leaders reviewed the progress of bilateral cooperation and discussed future directions for enhancing ties.

Both prime ministers expressed appreciation for the close and growing relationship between Laos and Vietnam, highlighting their “great friendship, special solidarity, and comprehensive cooperation.” Regular high-level exchanges, such as the recent meeting between the two countries' general secretaries and presidents at a French-speaking summit in Paris on October 5, 2024, were noted as key examples of this partnership.

The leaders agreed to strengthen cooperation on several key priorities, including the integration of Laos-Vietnam economic bases and a broader economic link involving Laos, Vietnam, and Cambodia. They emphasized the importance of connecting transportation infrastructure, regulatory systems, finance, energy, tourism, and trade-investment sectors.

PM Sonexay thanked Vietnam for its continued support of Lao PDR, especially during its ASEAN Chairmanship in 2024, and for providing flood relief to Lao citizens.

In return, PM Pham Minh Chinh expressed gratitude for the warm hospitality extended to him and congratulated Lao PDR on hosting the ASEAN Summits, wishing the chairmanship a successful outcome.

The meeting underscored the enduring bond between the two nations, with both sides pledging to continue deepening their unique relationship across all sectors.

KPL