Prime Minister Sonexay Siphandone (R) meets Vietnamese Deputy Prime Minister Ho Duc Phoc in Vientiane on November 13.

Prime Minister Sonexay welcomed the delegation and praised the outcome of Vietnamese Deputy Prime Minister Ho Duc Phoc’s talks with Lao Deputy Prime Minister Saleumxay Kommasith, describing their discussions as a meaningful contribution to strengthening the countries’ comprehensive cooperation. He said the meeting would help advance bilateral projects and support preparations for the upcoming visit of To Lam, General Secretary of the Communist Party of Vietnam, who will attend the 50th Anniversary of Lao National Day and the Laos–Vietnam Political Meeting, as well as the 48th Meeting of the Laos–Vietnam Intergovernmental Committee to be held later this year.

He extended greetings to Vietnam’s Party and State leaders, particularly Prime Minister Pham Minh Chinh, and expressed condolences over the recent storms and floods that affected several regions of Vietnam.

During the meeting, both sides reviewed past cooperation and agreed that bilateral ties have continued to expand across all sectors. Political, diplomatic, defence and security cooperation has been strengthened through frequent high-level visits and regular exchanges between ministries and local authorities. The two sides noted the successful inauguration of Berth No. 3 at Vung Ang Port — attended by the Presidents of both countries — as a landmark achievement in their cooperation.

They also agreed to continue deepening collaboration in defence, security and foreign affairs, and to promote economic connectivity starting with key transport links, including the Hanoi–Vientiane Expressway and the Laos–Vietnam railway project. Both sides reaffirmed the importance of promoting the longstanding tradition of Laos–Vietnam solidarity, especially among youth.

Deputy Prime Minister Ho Duc Phoc expressed appreciation for the warm reception and briefed the Lao Prime Minister on the outcomes of his talks with Deputy Prime Minister Saleumxay. He reaffirmed Vietnam’s commitment to working closely with Laos to implement agreements reached by both countries’ leaders and to advance strategic cooperation projects for the mutual benefit of the Lao and Vietnamese peoples.

KPL