Vietnam, Laos give utmost priority to strengthening ties

Vietnam and Laos reaffirm their consistent policy of prioritizing and valuing the consolidation and nurturing of their profound friendship, special solidarity, and comprehensive bilateral cooperation.

State President To Lam and his Laos counterpart Thongloun Sisoulith. Source: VNA

During the meeting, the two leaders expressed their satisfaction over the positive development of the profound friendship, special solidarity, and comprehensive cooperation between the two countries in recent times.

They agreed to maintain regular high-level exchanges and effective use of key bilateral cooperation mechanisms to foster and maintain the highest level of political trust.

In particular, defense and security cooperation continues to intensify and plays a crucial role as a cornerstone in the bilateral relationship.

Meanwhile, economic cooperation, particularly in trade and investment, remains a bright spot, with Vietnam maintaining its position as one of Laos' leading trading and investment partners. Efforts are also being made to resolve difficulties in key projects.

Collaboration in cultural, social, educational, sports, and people-to-people exchanges, as well as cooperation at the local level, especially among border provinces, will be further strengthened, bringing tangible benefits to the people of both countries.

Against the backdrop of complex global and regional developments, both nations emphasize the need to increase consultation, exchange experiences, coordinate, and support each other in overcoming challenges and building independent, autonomous, and deeply integrated economies.

They pledged to continue focusing on the effective implementation of high-level agreements between the two countries and between central and local authorities, stepping up strategic consultations, intensifying high-level visits and contacts, reviewing and improving the effectiveness of cooperation mechanisms, promoting education on the traditional history of Vietnam-Laos special solidarity among the people of both countries, especially the younger generation.

They also agreed to coordinate the construction of historical monuments and sites related to the Vietnam-Laos relations, including the Laos-Vietnam Friendship Park in Vientiane.

Overview of the meeting.

They agreed to make efforts to raise the level of economic cooperation to match the scale of political relations, strengthen the exchange of experience in macroeconomic management, and anti-corruption efforts; upgrade international border gates and transportation routes connecting the two countries, and keep improve the efficiency of cooperation in education and training, tourism, clean agriculture, science, technology, healthcare, culture, people-to-people exchanges, and between localities.

During their talks, the leaders exchanged views on international and regional issues of mutual concern. They agreed that in the context of today's rapidly changing and complex global and regional situations, both sides need to strengthen information sharing, coordination, and close cooperation in regional and international forums; ensure unity and enhance the central role of the ASEAN and ASEAN-led mechanisms.

President To Lam, in a spirit of brotherhood, affirmed that Vietnam will wholeheartedly support Laos in successfully assuming international responsibilities in 2024, including the roles of ASEAN Chair and AIPA President.

During the dialogue, President To Lam announced a gift from the Party, State, and people of Vietnam to the Party, State, and people of Laos: 20 VinFast electric cars to support Laos in organizing important activities during its ASEAN Chairmanship in 2024.

Following the talks, the leaders of the two countries witnessed the signing ceremony of cooperation documents, including (i) a Memorandum of Understanding between the Ministry of Public Security of Vietnam and the Ministry of Public Security of Laos on building and implementing a population management system and citizen identification cards in Laos; (ii) Extradition Agreement between the Ministry of Public Security of Vietnam and the Supreme People's Procuracy of Laos; (iii) 2024 Cooperation Plan between the Ministry of Justice of Vietnam and the Ministry of Justice of Laos; (iv) Agreement to enhance Vietnam-Laos air connectivity between the Ministry of Home Affairs and Transport of Laos and Vietjet; and agreements between enterprises of both countries.

On this occasion, the two leaders also attended the launch ceremony of the "Laos Population Management System and Citizen ID Card Implementation Project", a project of special significance in the process of building a digital government, a digital nation in Laos, and a testimony to the special friendship between Vietnam and Laos.