The Ministry of Foreign Affairs said that on the evening of October 23, 2024, local time, on the occasion of attending the expanded BRICS Leaders' Summit in Kazan, Russian Federation, Prime Minister Pham Minh Chinh met with General Secretary and President of Laos Thongloun Sisoulith.
In an atmosphere of utmost trust, sincerity and openness, Prime Minister Pham Minh Chinh expressed his pleasure to meet with Lao General Secretary and President Thongloun Sisoulith once again since the meeting between the two leaders on the occasion of Prime Minister Pham Minh Chinh's attendance at the 44th-45th ASEAN Summit in Vientiane, Laos, on October 8, 2024.
The Prime Minister congratulated Laos on its successful assumption of the Chairmanship of ASEAN 44-45 and the 45th ASEAN Inter-Parliamentary Assembly (AIPA); emphasizing that the success of these events has affirmed Laos as a responsible member with an increasingly important voice in the international community, contributing to peace, cooperation and prosperity in the region and the world.
The Prime Minister also affirmed that Vietnam will continue to stand side by side and provide the highest possible support to Laos to help it overcome current challenges and difficulties.
Lao General Secretary and President Thongloun Sisoulith once again sent warm congratulations to President Luong Cuong and expressed his wish to soon welcome President Luong Cuong to pay a State visit to Laos.
Comrade Thongloun Sisoulith also expressed his sincere gratitude for Vietnam's wholehearted and comprehensive support for Laos in assuming the responsibility of ASEAN Chair 2024; affirmed that the Lao Party, Government and people always appreciate and remember Vietnam's selfless and pure support for Laos in the past struggle for national liberation as well as in the country's development today.
The two leaders informed each other about the socio-economic development situation of each country; expressed their delight at witnessing the close and effective coordination between ministries, branches and localities of the two countries to implement the results of the Meeting between the two Politburoes of Vietnam and Laos (September 2024) as well as the agreements and cooperation commitments agreed upon by the two countries' senior leaders.
Regarding the direction of cooperation in the coming time, the two leaders agreed to soon direct relevant agencies of the two countries to accelerate the implementation of major projects on connecting the two economies of Vietnam - Laos, as well as connecting the three economies of Vietnam - Laos - Cambodia; and expand cooperation in the fields of national defense and security, economy and trade.
The two leaders once again affirmed to continue to strengthen the solidarity and close ties between Vietnam - Laos - Cambodia; agreed to cooperate more closely to spread solidarity among the three peoples, three Parties, three countries; affirmed to always attach importance to and give the highest priority to the great friendship, special solidarity and comprehensive cooperation between Vietnam and Laos, considering this a priceless asset, a top priority and a vital factor for the revolutionary cause of the two countries, which needs to be preserved and passed on to future generations.
