On the evening of October 23, local time, during the Expanded BRICS Leaders' Summit in Kazan, Russia, Prime Minister Pham Minh Chinh met with the General Secretary and President of Laos, Thongloun Sisoulith.

Prime Minister Pham Minh Chinh and General Secretary, President of Laos Thongloun Sisoulith.

In a highly trustworthy, sincere, and open atmosphere, Prime Minister Pham Minh Chinh expressed his pleasure in once again meeting with General Secretary and President of Laos, Thongloun Sisoulith, following their previous meeting during the 44th-45th ASEAN Summit (Vientiane, October 8, 2024).

The Prime Minister congratulated Laos on successfully assuming the role of Chair of ASEAN 44-45 and the 45th Assembly of the Inter-Parliamentary Assembly of Southeast Asian Nations (AIPA); he affirmed that the success of these events has established Laos as a responsible member with an increasingly important voice in the international community, contributing to peace, cooperation, and prosperity in the region and worldwide.

The Prime Minister also confirmed that Vietnam will continue to stand by and support Laos to the highest extent possible to help Laos overcome the current challenges and difficulties.

General Secretary and President Thongloun Sisoulith once again extended warm congratulations to President Luong Cuong and expressed his desire to soon welcome President Luong Cuong on a state visit to Laos.

Comrade Thongloun Sisoulith also sincerely thanked Vietnam for its meaningful, heartfelt, and comprehensive support for Laos in fulfilling its responsibilities as ASEAN Chair in 2024; he affirmed that the Party, Government, and people of Laos always cherish and remember the selfless and pure support from Vietnam for Laos in its past struggle for national liberation as well as in the development of the country today.

 Prime Minister Phạm Minh Chính meets with General Secretary and President of Laos Thongloun Sisoulith

The two leaders informed each other about the socio-economic development situation of their respective countries; they expressed joy at witnessing the close and effective coordination between the ministries, sectors, and localities of both countries in implementing the outcomes of the meeting between the two Politburos of Vietnam and Laos (September 2024) as well as the agreements and commitments made by the senior leaders of both countries.

Regarding the direction of cooperation in the time to come, the two leaders agreed to promptly direct the relevant agencies of both countries to strengthen the implementation of major projects connecting the economies of Vietnam and Laos, as well as connecting the three economies of Vietnam, Laos, and Cambodia; and to expand cooperation in the fields of national defense and security, economy, and trade.

The two leaders once again affirmed their commitment to continue strengthening the solidarity and bond among Vietnam, Laos, and Cambodia; they agreed to cooperate even more closely to spread the spirit of solidarity among the three nations, three parties, and three countries; affirming their continuous prioritization and high regard for the great friendship, special solidarity, and comprehensive cooperation between Vietnam and Laos, considering it an invaluable asset, a top priority, and a vital factor for the revolutionary cause of both countries, which needs to be preserved and passed down to future generations.