Deputy PM Bui Thanh Son meets with Thai, Lao, Cambodian Foreign Ministers on AMM-58 sidelines
VGP - Vietnamese Deputy Prime Minister, Minister of Foreign Affairs Bui Thanh Son held separate meetings with the Foreign Ministers of Thailand, Laos, and Cambodia on the sidelines of the 58th ASEAN Foreign Ministers’ Meeting (AMM-58) in Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia on July 8.
Vietnamese Deputy Prime Minister, Minister of Foreign Affairs Bui Thanh Son (R) and Lao Foreign Minister Thongsavanh Phomvihane, Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia, July 8, 2025
During a reception for Thai Foreign Minister Maris Sangiampongsa, both sides expressed satisfaction with the recent upgrade of bilateral ties to a comprehensive strategic partnership. Particularly, the two countries have strengthened political trust and expanded cooperation in areas such as security, defense, trade, investment, science, tourism, education, and cultural exchange.
The two ministers committed to implementing the outcomes of the 4th Viet Nam–Thailand Joint Cabinet Meeting and to finalizing the 2026–2030 action program soon to implement the Viet Nam-Thailand comprehensive strategic partnership.
Both sides agreed to work towards achieving the trade goal of US$25 billion and accelerating the implementation of the "Three Connections" strategy, including establishing a joint working group.
The two sides reaffirmed their commitment to preventing individuals or organizations from using either country's territory against the other and pledged to boost collaboration in innovation, digital economy, green growth, renewable energy, and energy transition.
The Thai Foreign Minister proposed exploring new tourism promotion methods, enhancing food security, and fostering private sector cooperation.
The two sides also agreed to maintain close coordination at multilateral forums, uphold ASEAN unity and centrality, and support the sustainable management of Mekong River water resources.
They reaffirmed support for peace, stability, security, and freedom of navigation and overflight in the East Sea, in accordance with international law and the 1982 United Nations Convention on the Law of the Sea (UNCLOS), and pledged to align positions at the BRICS forum.
During his meeting with Lao Foreign Minister Thongsavanh Phomvihane, the two sides expressed pleasure at the strong and substantive progress in bilateral ties. Political trust continues to deepen through regular exchanges, high-level meetings, and active collaboration under established cooperation mechanisms. Defense and security cooperation remains a cornerstone of the relationship, contributing to mutual stability.
Economic relations are thriving, with the two-way trade reaching US$1.6 billion in the first five months of the year—an increase of 100.4 percent over the same period in 2024—putting both sides on track to achieve their US$5 billion trade target.
Infrastructure connectivity has also advanced, including transport links, border gates, and seaports. The recent opening of Wharf No. 3 at Vung Ang Port is expected to improve Laos's global trade access and deepen economic cooperation.
Looking ahead, both sides agreed to implement high-level commitments and prepare for significant upcoming events, including the 80th anniversary of Viet Nam's August Revolution (August 19), National Day (September 2), the 50th anniversary of Laos's National Day (December 2), and the 105th birth anniversary of President Kaysone Phomvihane (December 13).
The Lao minister expressed appreciation for the Lao army's participation in Viet Nam's 50th Liberation Day parade (April 30) and its upcoming involvement in the 80th National Day celebration, calling them powerful symbols of the special solidarity between the two nations.
Regarding recent developments between Thailand and Cambodia, Deputy Prime Minister Pham affirmed Viet Nam closely monitors the matter, expressing hope that both sides will avoid escalating tensions and seek peaceful, friendly solutions that contribute to regional peace, stability, and ASEAN solidarity./.
