Deputy PM, FM Bui Thanh Son holds talks with Lao FM
VGP - Deputy Prime Minister, Minister of Foreign Affairs Bui Thanh Son on Friday held talks with Lao Minister of Foreign Affairs Thongsavanh Phomvihane in Ha Noi, as part of the latter's ongoing three-day visit to Viet Nam.
Deputy Prime Minister, Minister of Foreign Affairs Bui Thanh Son (right) holds talks with Lao Minister of Foreign Affairs Thongsavanh Phomvihane in Ha Noi, February 14, 2025. Photo: VGP
Bui welcomed Phomvihane on his first overseas official visit as the Lao FM this year, expressing his belief that the visit will yield substantive outcomes, further solidifying close-knit ties between the two foreign ministries, contributing to the great friendship, special solidarity and comprehensive cooperation between the two nations.
Phomvihane spoke highly of Viet Nam's socio-economic achievements in recent years, noting its rising global stature, especially under the leadership of the Communist Party of Viet Nam and the effective governance of the Government.
Both sides expressed satisfaction with the continued strong, effective and substantive development of the Viet Nam-Laos cooperation across various sectors. Political trust has been further reinforced through regular high-level delegation exchanges and cooperation mechanisms, notably the meeting between the two Politburos in September 2024, the 47th session of the Viet Nam-Laos Inter-Governmental Committee in January 2025, and the political consultation at the foreign ministerial level in December 2024.
The two-way trade reached US$2.25 billion in 2024. To achieve the trade goal of US$5 billion set by the two Prime Ministers, both sides agreed to expedite the promulgation of preferential policies and incentives for bilateral trade, strengthen economic connectivity, particularly by improving border trade infrastructure to facilitate the smooth flow of goods between border areas.
The pair acknowledged the drastic and effective leadership of the two Politburos in addressing challenges to key projects, generating momentum for major projects in the time ahead.
Both sides agreed to effectively carry out the 2021–2025 cooperation agreement and collaborate on building a cooperation framework for the next phase, and reaffirmed their commitment to maintaining political consultations at foreign ministerial and deputy ministerial levels.
On global and regional issues of shared interest, both sides agreed to work closely together and offer mutual support at multilateral forums, particularly within ASEAN and Mekong sub-regional cooperation mechanisms. The two sides also expressed strong support for ASEAN's common stance on strategic regional issues, including the East Sea.
After the talks, Phomvihane presented Orders and certificates of merit from the Lao Party and State to Vietnamese Foreign Ministry' collectives and individuals, recognizing their invaluable contributions to the Viet Nam-Laos Friendship Year 2022./.
