The 43rd meeting of the Viet Nam-Laos Inter-governmental Committee took place in Ha Noi on December 6 under the chair of Prime Minister Nguyen Xuan Phuc and Lao counterpart Thongloun Sisoulith. 

Prime Minister Nguyen Xuan Phuc (right) shakes hands with Lao counterpart
Thongloun Sisoulith at the Government Office, Ha Noi,
December 6, 2020. Photo: VGP.

Participants include Vietnamese Deputy Prime Minister, Foreign Minister Pham Binh Minh, Minister-Chairman of the Government Office Mai Tien Dung, Minister of Planning and Investment Nguyen Chi Dung; Lao Minister of Planning and Investment Sonexay Siphandone, Foreign Miniser Saleumxay Kommasith, and Minister-Chairman of the Lao Government Office Khamjane Vongphosy.

Speaking at the meeting, PM Phuc welcomed the Laos’ delegation led by PM Sisoulith, emphasizing that both countries have maintained high-level visits, contacts, and cooperation mechanisms, and supported each other despite difficulties caused by the Covid-19 pandemic.

PM Phuc congratulated on Laos’ socio-economic achievements, especially its effective management of the Covid-19 pandemic, GDP growth, and successful organization of sub-regional cooperation meetings, contributing to raising the neighboring country’s role and position in the region.

Phuc thanked Laos for close coordination in the Covid-19 fight and its support for Viet Nam as the ASEAN Chair 2020 and non-permanent member of the United Nations Security Council in 2020-2021 term.

Prime Minister Nguyen Xuan Phuc and Lao Prime Minister Thongloun Sisoulith
co-chair the  43rd meeting of the Viet Nam-Laos
Inter-governmental Committee. Photo: VGP

Meanwhile, Lao PM Sisoulith spoke highly of Viet Nam’s fruitful realization of its dual goal of Covid-19 containment and economic recovery.

He extended congratulations to Viet Nam on successfully undertaking the role as the ASEAN Chair 2020, with many initiatives having been adopted to boost solidarity and cooperation in the region.

On behalf of the Party, State and people of Laos, PM thanked the Vietnamese Party, State and people for their timely assistance for Laos to overcome the consequences caused by natural disasters.

The two leaders were pleased that the two countries’ politic-diplomacy ties have been increasingly strengthened, playing a core role in guiding the sides’ overall relationship.

Defense-security cooperation remains a key pillar, contributing to ensuring political stability and social order and safety in respective countries.

Economic cooperation has brought about encouraging outcomes. Viet Nam is the 3rd largest foreign investor in Laos with total registered capital of US$4.2 billion, up 35% from 2010 while the two-way trade rose by 10% annually between 2017 and 2019.

The two countries have coordinated in organizing major events, including the 45th anniversary of Laos’ National Day and 100th birthday anniversary of President Kaysone Phomvihane.

The two leaders reached consensus on cooperation orientations for 2021 and the next five years and worked out practical measures to further deepen the bilateral politic-diplomacy ties and to foster cooperation in the key pillar of defense and security.

They agreed to continue placing special priority to education and training cooperation while accelerating the connectivity between the two economies, especially transport and telecommunication connectivity.

They also encouraged ministries, agencies, localities, business and mass organizations to expand cooperation and mutual support in a practical and effective manner.

Both sides vowed to continue close collaboration and mutual support at regional and international forums, particularly ASEAN, Mekong Sub-region mechanisms and the United Nations.

The two countries pledged to strengthen consultation and mutual support to help each other improve their international positions and self-reliance, particularly on security and strategic matters in the region such as the East Sea and Mekong issues.

Both Viet Nam and Laos committed to working with other ASEAN member States to effectively curb the Covid-19 pandemic, promote ASEAN solidarity and central role, and Community building process.

PM Phuc and PM Sisoulith expressed their belief that the outcomes of the 43rd meeting would create new impetus for both sides to further consolidate the great friendship, special solidarity and comprehensive cooperation between Viet Nam and Laos in the next decade./.