Deputy Prime Minister pays courtesy calls on top Lao leaders

The meeting was part of Bui's working visit to Laos to co-chair the 11th Viet Nam-Laos political consultation at foreign ministerial level.

At the meeting, Bui reported the outcomes of the political consultation with Lao Minister of Foreign Affairs Thongsavanh Phomvihane.

This important mechanism, co-founded by the Lao General Secretary and President Sisoulith during his tenure as Minister of Foreign Affairs, has been effectively and substantively promoted to date, noted the Vietnamese official.

The Deputy Prime Minister expressed his delight at the positive development of the bilateral cooperation across various fields, as reflected in the meeting between Sisoulith and Vietnamese General Secretary To Lam, the meeting between the two Politburos, as well as other high-level meetings.

Bilateral economic, trade, and investment cooperation has seen significant progress, with the two-way trade projected to reach US$2 billion in 2024, said Bui.

Sisoulith, for his part, spoke highly of the outcomes of bilateral cooperation, urging both countries to actively exchange information and experiences in preparing for their respective national Party Congresses, as well as in Party building, political system development, socio-economic management and international integration.

He expressed gratitude for Viet Nam's support during Laos' ASEAN Chairmanship in 2024, affirming that this was a shared success of both countries.

The same day, Bui also paid a courtesy call on Lao Prime Minister Sonexay Siphandone, during which the former affirmed that the two foreign ministries will coordinate with relevant sides to effectively implement bilateral cooperation agreements, programs, and projects, while actively preparing for the 47th meeting of Viet Nam-Laos Intergovernmental Committee for Bilateral Cooperation.

Siphandone affirmed that the Party, State, Government, and people of Laos prioritize strengthening the special solidarity and comprehensive cooperation with Viet Nam.

He hailed the political consultation mechanism between the two foreign ministries, which positively contributes to developing the Viet Nam-Laos relations and cooperation.

The Lao leader promised to direct Lao ministries and sectors to review and promote the implementation of high-level agreements of the two countries.

He took the occasion to call on Vietnamese corporations and businesses to pour more investment in Laos./