(KPL/VNA) Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Foreign Affairs Bui Thanh Son held talks with Acting Head of the External Relations Commission of the Lao People's Revolutionary Party (LPRP) Central Committee Bounleua Phandanouvong on June 2 as part of his official visit to Vietnam.

During the meeting, both sides expressed their delight at the robust and effective development of Vietnam – Laos cooperation across all areas. Political relations continue to be strengthened through regular exchanges of high-level delegations and meetings. Security and defence cooperation remains a key pillar, while economic collaboration has received strong attention. Bilateral trade reached 2.2 billion USD in 2024, a 33.9% increase compared to 2023, and hit 1.3 billion USD in the first four months of 2025 alone, up 109.3% year-on-year.

Notably, the two countries recently inaugurated Wharf No. 3 at Vung Ang Port, a symbol of their solidarity and a milestone marking a new chapter in economic partnership, providing Laos with access to the sea.

Cooperation in other vital areas such as transport connectivity, education and training, culture, people-to-people exchange, and coordination at regional and international forums has also seen positive outcomes. Collaboration between ministries, agencies, and border provinces of both countries has yielded significant results.

Both sides highly valued the close cooperation between the Communist Party of Vietnam (CPV) Central Committee's Commission for External Relations and the Lao Party Central Committee's External Relations Commission. They agreed to continue working closely to effectively implement high-level agreements between the two Parties and countries.

Vietnam’s Ministry of Foreign Affairs and the Lao Party Central Committee's External Relations Commission committed to jointly developing a cooperation agreement for the 2026–2030 period; ensuring thorough preparations for high-level diplomatic activities and cooperation mechanisms; and intensifying information exchange and experience sharing in Party building and preparations for each country’s Party Congress.

The two sides also exchanged views on regional and global developments, agreeing to actively consult and coordinate stances on strategic regional issues. They pledged to work closely stance and viewpoint in ASEAN and other sub-regional cooperation mechanisms, and to enhance bilateral efforts in promoting the value of the Vietnam–Laos relationship within the socialist system.

KPL