During the 10th Vietnam-Laos Foreign Ministers’ Consultation held on November 22 in Hanoi, Minister of Foreign Affairs Bui Thanh Son commended Laos for its proactive preparations for its ASEAN Chairmanship in 2024 and emphasized Vietnam’s readiness to cooperate and support Laos in successfully fulfilling this significant role.

The meeting, which was part of the cooperative agreement between the two ministries, saw the attendance of Lao Deputy Prime Minister and Foreign Minister Saleumxay Kommasith, who is on an official visit to Vietnam from November 21 to 23. The consultation was co-chaired by the two ministers and attended by leaders of specialized units from both countries’ foreign ministries.

In an atmosphere described as sincere, candid, and trustworthy, the ministers engaged in extensive and substantive discussions. They reviewed bilateral cooperation achievements, prepared for upcoming high-level diplomatic activities, and discussed measures to further promote the cooperative relationship between the two foreign ministries.

Both sides expressed satisfaction with the solid and effective progress in all areas of the Vietnam-Laos relationship. Political trust continues to be strengthened through various delegation exchanges, high-level contacts, and interactions at different levels, laying a solid foundation and providing direction for the overall bilateral relationship. Security and defense cooperation remains a priority, contributing to the stability and security of each nation.

Economic cooperation has seen positive and substantial shifts, with bilateral trade exceeding 1.3 billion USD in the first ten months of 2023. Key projects continue to receive attention and some have been handed over and put into operation, while many challenges and obstacles have been addressed. The two countries also continuously improve the quality and effectiveness of cooperation in education and training, human resource development, and enhance awareness among the youth about the great relationship, special solidarity, and comprehensive cooperation between Vietnam and Laos.

Minister Bui Thanh Son suggested that the two foreign ministries continue to coordinate closely with relevant committees, ministries, and sectors to facilitate upcoming visits and contacts by the two countries’ high-level leaders, including the official visit to Vietnam by the Prime Minister of Laos, combined with co-chairing the 46th session of the Vietnam-Laos Intergovernmental Committee.

Deputy Prime Minister and Foreign Minister Saleumxay Kommasith agreed that the two foreign ministries, along with other committees, ministries, localities, and sectors of both countries, should continue to effectively implement high-level agreements and review bilateral cooperation mechanisms.

The ministers appreciated the increasingly strengthened cooperation between the two foreign ministries based on the Cooperation Agreement for the 2021-2025 period. They agreed to maintain and enhance regular cooperation mechanisms such as the Action Program to strengthen economic diplomacy for 2020-2025, the cooperation program for training and capacity building in foreign affairs and international integration for Lao ministries, sectors, and localities, and strategic research work.

Both sides briefed each other on their respective foreign policies and affirmed their intention to proactively share information, exchange views, and coordinate positions across all channels and levels, contributing to enhancing the international standing of each country.

They agreed to closely coordinate and support each other in multilateral forums, especially within ASEAN and the sub-regional Mekong cooperation mechanisms, and to uphold ASEAN’s common stance on strategic regional issues, including the South China Sea matter.

Minister Bui Thanh Son praised Laos’ proactive preparations for the ASEAN Chairmanship in 2024 and stressed Vietnam’s readiness to cooperate and support Laos in successfully undertaking this important task.