Vietnam and Laos vow to foster special solidarity, comprehensive cooperation

The agreements include those reached between senior leaders of the two Parties, States, and Governments, as well as between top leaders of the three ruling parties of Cambodia, Laos, and Vietnam. Among them are the Vietnam – Laos strategic co-operation agreement for the 2021 - 2030 period and the bilateral cooperation agreement for the 2021 – 2025 period.

Thes view was shared during talks held in Hanoi on January 6 between Prime Minister Pham Minh Chinh of Vietnam and his visiting Lao counterpart Sonexay Siphandone.

The two sides emphasised the need to strengthen connectivity between the two economies, especially in terms of institutions, finance, transport infrastructure, energy, telecommunications, and tourism, with a particular focus on promoting the Vientiane - Hanoi expressway project, the Vientiane - Vung Ang railway project, along with other key co-operation projects.

They vowed to support each other in building an independent, self-reliant economy, associated with proactive, deep, substantive, and effective international integration in each country, alongside striving to increase tripartite cooperation between both sides and appropriate development partners in order to attract more resources for collaboration projects.

The two sides consented to review and completely resolve difficulties and obstacles, thereby creating a favourable investment and business environment for businesses to operate.

They also concurred that both countries should effectively implement cooperation projects in the field of education and human resource development, while also working to ramp up linkages in health, culture, arts, and sports.

Exchanging views on regional and international issues of mutual concern, the two PMs emphasised the importance of maintaining peace, security, and stability in the region. They voiced their strong support for ASEAN’s solidarity, common stance, and central role in regional security and strategic issues, including the East Sea issue.

They agreed to further closely coordinate and support each other at regional and international forums such as ASEAN, the UN, and Mekong sub-region cooperation mechanisms.

PM Chinh affirmed that the Vietnamese side stands ready to support Laos in successfully undertaking international responsibilities in 2024, including its role as the ASEAN Chair.

After the talks, the two PMs witnessed the signing ceremony of four cooperation documents between the two countries’ ministries and agencies, including those regarding border guard cooperation, border trade infrastructure development, as well as education and training cooperation.

Vietnam currently has 241 investment projects in Laos with a total registered capital of US$5.47 billion, retaining its third position among foreign investors in the Laotian market. Two-way trade turnover last year also hit more than US$1.5 billion.