THE SOCIALIST REPUBLIC OF VIET NAM
Government News
Viet Nam, Laos hold 8th Political Consultation
VGP - Vietnamese Deputy Minister of Foreign Affairs Do Hung Viet and his Lao counterpart Phoxay Khaykhamphithoune co-chaired the 8th Political Consultation between the two Ministries of Foreign Affairs in Vientiane, Laos, on June 28.
Overview of the 8th Viet Nam-Laos Political Consultation. Photo: Baoquocte.vn
Assessing the overall Viet Nam-Laos relationship, both sides expressed their delight at the positive development of great friendship, special solidarity, and comprehensive cooperation between the two countries over the past years.
They pledged to jointly prepare for high-level visits and important cooperation mechanisms shortly while working closely together with ministries, agencies, and localities to implement high-level agreements.
On international and regional issues of mutual concern, they shared that amid complicated and uncertain developments in the region and the world, the two sides need to further enhance their tradition of close coordination and mutual support at international and regional forums.
Deputy Minister Do Hung Viet affirmed that Viet Nam will continue working closely with and offering all possible support to Laos to help the country successfully assume the role of ASEAN Chair in 2024, contributing to maintaining the bloc's unity and central position.
In terms of the East Sea issue, both sides pledged to join other ASEAN member nations to maintain the bloc's common stance on the East Sea issue, settle disputes via peaceful means in line with international law and the 1982 United Nations Convention on the Law of the Sea (UNCLOS 1982), effectively implement the Declaration on the Conduct of Parties in the East Sea (DOC), and strive to soon reach an effective and efficient Code of Conduct in the East Sea (COC).
Regarding cooperation between the two foreign ministries, they consented to continue with their cooperation agreement for the 2021-2025 period and maintain regular and effective consultation mechanisms at the ministerial and deputy ministerial levels.
Besides, they enhance the exchange of information and professional experience between their units, particularly in policy research, economic diplomacy, consular, overseas Vietnamese and border affairs, and personnel training.
The two sides agreed to hold the 9th Political Consultation at the deputy foreign minister level in Viet Nam in 2024./.