On February 13, at the Presidential Palace, President Luong Cuong received Lao Foreign Minister Thongsavanh Phomvihane.
According to the Vietnamese Ministry of Foreign Affairs, Foreign Minister Thongsavanh Phomvihane congratulated Vietnam on its many outstanding achievements in foreign affairs, upgrading relations with many large and important partners, thereby demonstrating Vietnam's increasingly high international role and position; thanked the Party, State and people of Vietnam for always supporting and standing shoulder to shoulder with the Party, State and people of all Lao ethnic groups, expressing the special affection and valuable assistance of the Party, State and people of Vietnam for Laos, and thanked Vietnam for supporting Laos to successfully complete multilateral events during the ASEAN Chairmanship Year 2024. The Lao Foreign Minister said that the relationship between the two countries is in its best period at all levels and channels.
President Luong Cuong believes that with his rich and extensive working experience, along with the Minister's good feelings for Vietnam, in his position, the Lao Foreign Minister will make many positive contributions to the relationship between the two countries. The President highly appreciated the results of cooperation between the two Foreign Ministries in recent times, making a practical contribution to strengthening bilateral relations; thanked the Lao Foreign Minister for his attention and creating favorable conditions for the Vietnamese community in Laos to do business and live stably in Laos, actively contributing to building an increasingly prosperous Laos and acting as a bridge to consolidate and foster the Vietnam - Laos relationship.
Emphasizing that the great friendship, special solidarity and comprehensive cooperation between Vietnam and Laos is a unique relationship in the world, the two leaders expressed their delight at the important results of the bilateral relationship in recent times, especially the continued enhancement of political trust through the regular maintenance of high-level exchanges and contacts and cooperation mechanisms as well as the setting out of many important cooperation orientations. Defense and security cooperation continues to be an important pillar of the bilateral relationship. Economic, trade and investment cooperation has grown strongly; the number of Vietnamese enterprises investing in Laos is increasing. Exchanges between localities and people of the two countries have been strengthened. The two leaders agreed to continue to strengthen the training and education of generations to continue promoting the precious sentiments of the Parties and people of the two countries, considering this a priceless asset that the two peoples have always stood side by side, sharing the joys and sorrows throughout the period of fighting for national independence and national development. The President suggested that the two sides coordinate well to organize important anniversary events in 2025.
Discussing international and regional issues of mutual concern, the two leaders emphasized the need for close coordination at regional and international forums in the context of rapid and complex developments in the world and regional situation.
On this occasion, President Luong Cuong affirmed that he will soon visit Laos at the invitation of Lao General Secretary and President Thongloun Sisoulith.
