Vietnam, Laos beef up bilateral cooperation

The agreement was reached during a meeting between Foreign Minister of Vietnam Bui Thanh Son and his Lao counterpart Saleumxay Kommasith, in Chongqing, China, on June 6.

Both ministers were attending the ASEAN - China Foreign Ministers’ Meeting and the 6th Mekong-Lancang Cooperation (MLC) Foreign Ministers’ Meeting in China.  

They discussed the coordination and promotion of important cooperation programmes between the two countries, especially traffic connectivity projects in order to make effective use of the Laos - Vietnam Vung Ang International Seaport.

The two sides agreed to strengthen coordination in border management to prevent illegal entry and exit, and at the same time ensure the maintenance of cross-border trade.

They both also agreed to strengthen coordination and mutual support at international, regional and sub-regional forums, and work closely with other member states to maintain solidarity and promote ASEAN’s central role in effective response to common challenges.

Minister Son expressed delight at the first official meeting with his Lao counterpart after Vietnam and Laos successfully organized their Party Congresses and completed their own State apparatus.

Son highly appreciated the two countries’ effective coordination in implementing many important bilateral foreign affairs activities in recent times despite the impact of the COVID-19 pandemic.

He also emphasized the importance of cooperation, support and exchanges in the medical field, helping the two countries control the COVID-19 pandemic.

For his part, Minister Saleumxay congratulated Vietnam on successfully organising the election of deputies to the 15th National Assembly and grassroots-level People’s Councils for the 2021-2026 term amid the complicated developments of the COVID-19 pandemic in many localities.

He thanked the Party, State and people of Vietnam for providing Laos with valuable material and spiritual support to cope with the pandemic. He also affirmed that Laos stands shoulder to shoulder with Vietnam to overcome every difficulty.