Hanoi: Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Foreign Affairs Bui Thanh Son engaged in talks with Lao Minister of Foreign Affairs Thongsavanh Phomvihane in Hanoi on February 14. This meeting was part of Phomvihane’s three-day official visit, which commenced on February 12.
According to Lao News Agency, Son extended a warm welcome to Phomvihane, marking his first overseas official visit as the Lao Foreign Minister this year. The timing is significant as both nations are preparing for their respective National Party Congresses. Son expressed confidence that the visit would lead to substantial outcomes, strengthening the already close ties between the two foreign ministries and enhancing the friendship and cooperation between the two countries.
Phomvihane acknowledged Vietnam’s socio-economic progress and its growing international influence. He attributed these achievements to the leadership of the Communist Party of Vietnam and the effective governance of its Government. Both leaders expressed satisfaction with the robust development of Vietnam-Laos cooperation across multiple sectors. They noted that political trust has been reinforced through regular high-level delegation exchanges, including the meeting of the two Politburos in September 2024, the 47th session of the Vietnam-Laos Inter-Governmental Committee in January 2025, and the political consultation at the foreign ministerial level in December 2024.
The bilateral trade between the two nations reached 2.25 billion USD last year. To meet the target of 5 billion USD set by the two Prime Ministers, both sides agreed to expedite the issuance of preferential policies and incentives for bilateral trade. They also committed to enhancing economic connectivity by improving border trade infrastructure, facilitating smoother goods flow between border areas.
Both leaders acknowledged the effective leadership of their respective Politburos in overcoming challenges to key projects, which is generating momentum for future major projects. They pledged to carry out the 2021-2025 cooperation agreement effectively and work on developing a cooperation framework for the subsequent phase. Furthermore, they reaffirmed their commitment to maintaining political consultations at foreign ministerial and deputy ministerial levels.
Emphasizing the significance of increasing public awareness of the special Vietnam-Laos solidarity, particularly among younger diplomats, both sides pledged continued support for the Vietnamese community in Laos. This includes ensuring stable livelihoods and addressing key issues such as citizenship and residency cards for long-term Vietnamese residents, in accordance with Lao regulations.
On matters of global and regional importance, both leaders agreed to collaborate closely and support each other in multilateral forums, particularly within ASEAN and Mekong sub-regional cooperation mechanisms. They reiterated strong support for ASEAN’s stance on strategic regional issues, including the East Sea.
In conclusion to the talks, Phomvihane awarded Orders and certificates of merit from the Lao Party and State to Vietnamese Foreign Ministry collectives and individuals, acknowledging their contributions to the Vietnam-Laos Friendship Year 2022.
