Prime Minister receives Deputy Prime Minister and Foreign Minister of Laos

The Vietnamese Government leader made the proposal on July 5 while receiving Lao Deputy Prime Minister and Foreign Minister Saleumxay Kommasith who on a working visit to Viet Nam.

Pham expressed his belief that the visit would contribute to strengthening the friendship and special relations with Laos.

In reply, Minister Saleumxay Kommasith said he appreciates the Vietnamese Government for giving the top priority to nurturing the special relationship with Laos.

Earlier the same day, Deputy Prime Minister Tran Luu Quang held talks with Deputy Prime Minister and Foreign Minister of Laos Saleumxay Kommasith.

Tran said that the visit is a good chance for the two sides to discuss specific measures to implement the outcomes of the 46th meeting of the Viet Nam - Laos Intergovernmental Committee.

He congratulated Laos on successfully assuming the 2024 ASEAN Chairmanship.

The two leaders agreed to work closely, spur exchanges of delegations and high-ranking contacts and maintain bilateral cooperative mechanisms.

National defense and security cooperation remains an important pillar in the bilateral relations.

In the first five months of 2024, two-way trade turnover hit US$780 million, representing a year-on-year increase of 11 percent. So far, Viet Nam has 255 active FDI projects in Laos with a total investment of US$5.5 billion.

The two sides underlined the importance of accelerating cooperation pillars; promoting key projects including wharf No.1, 2, 3 of Vung Ang Port in central province of Ha Tinh, road and railway projects; and improving education and training cooperation.

The pair also discussed international and regional issues of common concern./.