According to the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, at the meeting, Prime Minister Pham Minh Chinh emphasized that the great friendship, special solidarity and comprehensive cooperation between Vietnam and Laos is a "unique" relationship in the world; expressed his delight that economic, trade and investment cooperation between the two countries continues to develop with bilateral trade turnover in 2024 reaching 2.25 billion USD, an increase of 38.2% compared to 2023 and aiming for a turnover of 5 billion USD in the coming time. Vietnam continues to be the third largest investor in Laos, with 267 projects to date with a total registered capital of 5.7 billion USD, many of which are operating effectively, contributing positively to the socio-economic development of Laos, creating jobs and increasing income for thousands of workers, supplementing the budget revenue of Laos.
Acknowledging the results of close and effective cooperation between the two Ministries of Foreign Affairs in recent times, especially in coordinating the organization of high-level exchanges and contacts and effectively maintaining cooperation mechanisms; advising on the effective implementation of foreign affairs tasks, coordinating and supporting each other at multilateral forums and mechanisms, Prime Minister Pham Minh Chinh especially emphasized the role of the two Ministries of Foreign Affairs in promoting relevant agencies of the two countries to resolutely implement high-level agreements, coordinate to remove many difficulties and obstacles in implementing key cooperation projects, thereby contributing to strengthening bilateral relations in all fields.
At the same time, the two countries' Ministries of Foreign Affairs are requested to continue to effectively implement existing cooperation mechanisms between the two Parties, the two Governments as well as between the two Ministries of Foreign Affairs; the Lao Ministry of Foreign Affairs is requested to continue to be a bridge to promote relevant Lao ministries and branches to coordinate in reviewing and promulgating new mechanisms to resolve difficulties related to institutional reform, human resources, investment, upgrading infrastructure connectivity, etc.; continue to create favorable conditions, improve the investment and business environment, promptly resolve difficulties of Vietnamese enterprises in Laos, especially in implementing energy, mining, industrial, tourism, education projects, etc.; speed up the progress of strategic projects, transport projects, connecting the two economies; strengthen cooperation between localities; support and closely coordinate at regional and international forums.
Highly agreeing with the directions of Prime Minister Pham Minh Chinh, Foreign Minister Thongsavanh Phomvihane affirmed that the Lao Ministry of Foreign Affairs will continue to urge relevant ministries, branches and agencies of Laos to effectively implement high-level agreements, including the results of the meeting between the two Politburoes and the 47th meeting of the Vietnam - Laos Intergovernmental Committee recently as well as the directions of Prime Minister Pham Minh Chinh this time, continuing to foster the great friendship, special solidarity and comprehensive cooperation between Vietnam and Laos to be forever green and everlasting.
