Under the cooperative agreement between the two Ministries of Foreign Affairs, Lao Deputy Prime Minister and Foreign Minister Saleumxay Kommasith visited Vietnam and co-chaired the 10th Vietnam-Laos Foreign Ministers’ Consultation from November 21 to November 23, 2023, upon the invitation of Vietnamese Foreign Minister Bui Thanh Son.

On the morning of November 22, 2023, the consultation took place in an atmosphere of sincerity, frankness, and trust. The two ministers engaged in in-depth and substantial exchanges, focusing on reviewing the content of bilateral cooperation in the past period, preparations for upcoming high-level foreign affairs activities between the two countries, and discussing measures to continue promoting the cooperative relationship between the two foreign ministries.

Both parties expressed delight at the solid and effective progress across all fields between Vietnam and Laos. Political trust has been further consolidated through various delegation exchanges, high-level contacts, and interactions at different levels, providing a strong foundation and direction for the overall bilateral relationship. Security and defense cooperation have been emphasized and strengthened, contributing to the stability and security of each nation. Economic cooperation has seen positive, substantial, and effective changes; bilateral trade in the first ten months of 2023 reached over 1.3 billion USD; key projects continue to be promoted, with some already handed over and operational; and many difficulties and obstacles have been resolved. Both sides also continuously improve the quality and effectiveness of cooperation in education and training, human resource development, and enhance the promotion among the youth of the two countries 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. 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 urgently review the Vietnam-Laos bilateral cooperation mechanisms.

The ministers valued 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 informed each other about their respective foreign policies and affirmed their intention to proactively share information, exchange views, and coordinate positions on regional and international issues.

The parties 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 issue. Minister Bui Thanh Son praised Laos' proactive preparations for the ASEAN Chairmanship in 2024 and emphasized Vietnam's readiness to continue cooperation and support Laos in successfully undertaking this important task.

Deputy Prime Minister and Foreign Minister Saleumxay Kommasith extended a cordial invitation to Minister Bui Thanh Son to visit Laos and co-chair the next Vietnam-Laos Foreign Ministers’ Consultation at a suitable time in 2024.