In the context of the rapidly and complicated world and regional situation, especially the COVID-19 pandemic which is negatively affecting all aspects of life, the special solidarity and comprehensive cooperation between Vietnam and Laos have continued to be strengthened, developed and achieved many important results, demonstrating a unique and special relationship in the world. Here are a few specific areas:

Political relations have been further consolidated based on the trust and attachment between the two parties and two countries. Despite the complicated developments of the COVID-19 epidemic, senior leaders of the two Parties and States regularly exchange, meet and contact in various forms, directly and indirectly, notably: The official friendship visit to Vietnam by General Secretary and President of Laos Thongloun Sisoulith in June 2021 and the official visit to Laos by President Nguyen Xuan Phuc in August 2021.

During these two visits, the leaders of the two countries delivered very important messages, strongly affirming the political determination of the two countries in successfully implementing the foreign policy set forth by the 11th Party Congress. The Lao People's Revolutionary Party and the 13th Congress of the Communist Party of Vietnam have set forth, in which, the two sides affirmed the highest priority for consolidating and developing long-term, effective and sustainable special relations. separate Vietnam-Laos.

Cooperation in the field of security and defense has been deepened and effectively developed, continuing to be a solid pillar of the relationship between the two countries. Notably in 2021, the two countries have successfully coordinated to organize the first Vietnam-Laos border defense friendship exchange program, chaired by two Politburo members and the Minister of National Defense. The exchange program has left many deep impressions, creating a wide spread to all classes of people, contributing to strengthening and connecting the glorious relationship between the armed forces of the two countries.

Economic, scientific and technical cooperation, culture and education continue to be consolidated, becoming more and more effective and practical. In particular, projects connecting the two economies, connecting transport, and connecting energy infrastructure continue to be prioritized by the two Governments and have achieved many important results so far. creating a premise for the two countries to effectively implement in the coming time.

In particular, the outstanding result is that Vietnam has created all favorable conditions for Laos to have a way to the sea for economic development. Vietnam is also actively supporting Laos to overcome the current difficulties through sharing experiences and lessons on macroeconomic issues, handling development issues, etc. Although border trade between the two countries is facing difficulties. many difficulties due to the COVID-19 epidemic, two-way trade turnover continued to grow by about 13-14%. Cooperation in education and culture continues to be focused by the two countries, achieving better quality.

The year 2021 will also see close cooperation between agencies of the Party, the National Assembly, ministries, sectors, localities and businesses, and people-to-people relations between the two countries continue to expand and strengthen. In parallel with regular and effective cooperation in the prevention of the COVID-19 epidemic, the two countries are coordinating to implement measures to adapt to the "new normal" life, and to restore the socio-economic recovery of each country. Cooperation between Laos and Vietnam in international and regional forums, especially in the Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN), the Mekong sub-regional cooperation mechanisms continue to be focused and enhanced coordination.

This is the first visit to Vietnam by Prime Minister Phankham Viphavan in his new position, as well as the first visit of a foreign senior leader to Vietnam in 2022. In addition to actively contributing to the construction and consolidation of the country. In the personal relationship between Prime Minister Phankham Viphavan and senior Vietnamese leaders, the visit showed the consistency in the foreign policy of the 11th National Congress of the Lao People's Revolutionary Party, and at the same time demonstrated the determination of senior leaders of the two countries in promoting the special relationship between Vietnam and Laos into depth, practicality and effective implementation of the joint declaration between Vietnam and Laos in June 2021.

This is also a gratitude visit, proving the special "unique" loyal relationship between the two countries Vietnam - Laos. In the context that the two countries are suffering from many negative impacts of the COVID-19 epidemic, the visit strongly affirms Laos' high support and priority for Vietnam and proves that the sincere feelings between Vietnam and Laos are increasingly recognized. tighten; comrades and brothers cooperate more and more closely, together overcome all difficulties, go hand in hand on the path of development. With those profound meanings, Prime Minister Phankham's visit has important goals such as:

Firstly, this is the time for senior leaders of the two countries to exchange opinions on international and regional issues of mutual concern and seek solutions to challenges in the new situation, contributing to peace, security, stability and development in the region and the world.

Secondly, the visit will firmly consolidate the two countries' relations and create momentum for comprehensive cooperation in 2022. During this visit, the two Prime Ministers will co-chair the 44th meeting of the Vietnam Intergovernmental Committee South-Laos. This is an opportunity for leaders of the two countries to exchange, to better understand the socio-economic situation, development orientation and foreign policy of each country. From there, the two sides will discuss major orientations and breakthrough measures to further bring Vietnam-Laos cooperation into depth, efficiency and substance.

Third, the visit is also a kick-off event for the "Vietnam-Laos, Laos-Vietnam Friendship Year 2022" to celebrate the 60th anniversary of the establishment of diplomatic relations between the two countries (September 5, 1962). and 45 years since the signing of the Treaty of Amity and Cooperation (July 18, 1977). The two sides will work closely to organize effective and practical activities to celebrate important events in Vietnam-Laos relations in order to convey the spirit and affection of the two peoples of Vietnam and Laos to all walks of life. people, especially the young generation of the two countries, and help international friends understand more deeply about the special and pure relationship between Vietnam and Laos. Since then, the people of the two countries will also be more aware of the meaning, vital importance and responsibility in preserving and cultivating the great friendship, special solidarity and comprehensive cooperation. between the two nations.

In the coming time, the Governments, ministries, branches and localities of the two countries will continue to closely coordinate and effectively implement high-level agreements and signed agreements between the two sides, especially the bilateral cooperation agreement. The Vietnam-Laos cooperation agreement for the 2021-2025 period and the Vietnam-Laos cooperation strategic agreement for the 2021-2030 period. With the Lao government actively strengthening the legal corridor, efforts to improve the investment environment and Lao goods can enter the market of 100 million people in Vietnam, as well as through any Vietnamese seaport. Going straight to the sea in the spirit of President Nguyen Xuan Phuc's speech at the first session of the IX Lao National Assembly, economic cooperation promises to have many breakthroughs, outstanding development, and full potential, bringing many practical benefits to the people of the two countries.