Deputy Prime Minister, Foreign Minister Pham Binh Minh on Monday paid courtesy calls on top Lao leaders as part of his two-day official visit to Laos. 

Deputy Prime Minister, Foreign Minister Pham Binh Minh (left) pay courtesy call
on Lao Party General Secretary and State President Bounnhang Vorachith,
Vientiane, Laos, November 30, 2020. 

At his meetings with Party General Secretary and State President Bounnhang Vorachith, Prime Minister Thongloun Sisoulith, and President of the National Assembly Yathotou, Minh conveyed Vietnamese leaders’ greetings to Laos counterparts and congratulated Laos on the 45th anniversary of its National Day (December 2,1975-December 2, 2020) and on effective management of the Covid-19 pandemic.

He expressed his belief that Laos will successfully organize the 11th National Party Congress in early 2021 and continue building itself into a strong and prosperous country with growing stature in the region and the world.

Deputy Prime Minister, Foreign Minister Pham Binh Minh (left) pay courtesy call
on Lao Prime Minister Thongloun Sisoulith, Vientiane, Laos, November 30, 2020. 

Meanwhile, Lao leaders spoke highly of the two foreign ministries’ efforts to maintain important cooperation mechanisms, affirming that the Party, State, National Assembly, Government and people of Laos always treasures and places highest priority to consolidation and enhancement of the great relationship, special solidarity and comprehensive cooperation with Viet Nam.

The Lao leaders expressed sincere thanks for Viet Nam’s valuable support and assistance for Laos’ struggle for national independence in the past and national development course at present.

They also thanked for Viet Nam’s support in the fight against the Covid-19 pandemic and provision of 1,000 tons of rice to help Lao people affected by national disasters.

Deputy Prime Minister, Foreign Minister Pham Binh Minh (left) pays courtesy call
on President of the Lao National Assembly Pany Yathotou, Vientiane, Laos,
November 30, 2020. 

Earlier on Sunday, Deputy PM, FM Minh and Lao FM Saleumsay Kommasith co-chaired the 7th ministerial-level political consultation, during which the sides noted with pleasure that the Viet Nam-Laos relationship has continued developing well despite difficulties posed by the Covid-19 pandemic.

Both countries have continued consolidating and deepening political cooperation and maintained regular exchange of high-level visits and contacts.

The two foreign ministers agreed to work closely together to prepare for upcoming high-level visits and the 43rd meeting of the Viet Nam-Laos Intergovernmental Committee.

Minh extended thanks to the Lao side for close collaboration with and support for Viet Nam to run for seats at UN agencies and to undertake the role as the ASEAN Chair 2020.

Deputy Prime Minister, Foreign Minister Pham Binh Minh (left) and Lao FM Saleumsay
Kommasith sign a cooperation agreement between the two foreign ministries for
the 2021-2025 period, Vientiane, Laos, November 29, 2020. 

He affirmed that Viet Nam will coordinate with and back Laos to successfully host the 9th Ayeyawady-Chao Phraya-Mekong Economic Cooperation Strategy (ACMECS) Summit, the 10th Cambodia-Laos-Myanmar-Viet Nam (CLMV) Summit, and the 11th Cambodia-Laos-Viet Nam Development Triangle Summit.

The two foreign ministers also compared notes on a wide ranges of regional and international matters of common concerns, including the East Sea issue and sustainable use of the Mekong water resources.

Both sides agreed to continue close coordination at regional and international forums, active information sharing and consultation at all levels while working together in seeking international resources for their joint projects.

On the occasion, the two foreign ministers signed a cooperation agreement between the two foreign ministries for the 2021-2025 period./.