The 48th session of the Vietnam - Laos Intergovernmental Committee co-chaired by Politburo member, Prime Minister Pham Minh Chinh and Lao Prime Minister Sonexay Siphandone in Vientiane has just ended successfully. The meeting demonstrated the determination of the two Parties and two States to immediately implement the agreements of the High-Level Meeting of the two Parties held previously.
Central Party Secretary and Minister of Foreign Affairs Le Hoai Trung said that in order to implement the results of the Session, it is necessary to first thoroughly grasp the agreements of the two Parties and the instructions of General Secretary To Lam and General Secretary and President of Laos Thongloun Sisoulith; at the same time, thoroughly grasp the documents agreed upon by both sides at the 48th Session, including: Cooperation Agreement between the Government of the Lao People's Democratic Republic and the Government of the Socialist Republic of Vietnam for the 2026-2030 period; Agreement on the 2026 Cooperation Plan between the two Governments; and other agreements reached by both sides, as well as the contents agreed upon by the two Prime Ministers.
This dissemination needs to clarify all agreements, especially new ideas raised by the two Parties and General Secretary To Lam, General Secretary and President of Laos Thongloun Sisoulith, as well as the contents that the two Prime Ministers discussed and agreed upon.
First is to improve the effectiveness of political relations, ensure truly strong political relations and play an orientational role for the overall defense and security relations, thereby creating new and stronger development steps, ensuring a peaceful and stable environment for the country's development; at the same time, it is necessary to create a breakthrough in economic cooperation; expand and improve the effectiveness of cooperation in culture, education and training.
The very important idea that needs to be thoroughly understood is the breakthrough in economic and investment cooperation, especially strengthening economic linkages. Strengthening this link aims to elevate the strategic level, create cohesion in strategy, development goals and vision in the construction process; at the same time, promote linkages in infrastructure, energy, transportation, etc. Prime Minister Pham Minh Chinh emphasized at the meeting that changing thinking is also a very important resource.
Second is to renew existing cooperation contents, while expanding to new areas, demonstrating the spirit of " treated strategically"; promoting the potential and strengths of each country, especially enhancing the participation not only of the State but also of the business community in all fields.
Third is to improve the effectiveness of coordination mechanisms. As Prime Minister Pham Minh Chinh has stated and agreed by the Lao Prime Minister, the two sides can hold a regular meeting every 3 months. The two Ministers and the Chairman of the bilateral Cooperation Committee will also meet every 3 months to review and evaluate the situation.
Fourth, the two sides discuss and agree on key projects. In the next 5 years, the Party and State of Vietnam have decided to increase the non-refundable aid level for the Lao People's Democratic Republic by 2.5 times with the general spirit of focusing on key projects, not spreading, ensuring practical effectiveness.
According to Minister Le Hoai Trung, to do this, the two sides need to have a very specific implementation plan. In that spirit, the cooperation between the two Parties and the two States will create new resources for the entire development process, while ensuring national defense and security and promoting the international integration of each country.
