On the morning of February 11 local time, the WGS 2025 Conference with the theme "Shaping the Future of Government" opened in Dubai, UAE to discuss the challenges and future of global governance as well as strengthen international cooperation to develop sustainable government models suitable for the rapid transformation of the digital age, improve government efficiency and promote comprehensive development.
Discussions at the conference will also address the impact of emerging technologies such as artificial intelligence (AI), quantum computing and biotechnology, and assess how governments can harness these technologies.
It is expected that within the framework of the Conference, Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Foreign Affairs Bui Thanh Son will deliver an important speech at the discussion session on "Emerging economies, leveraging digital innovation and renewable energy to promote economic growth and competitiveness"; speak at the session on "Action towards the Millennium Development Goals with the theme: Vietnam's experience and achievements in realizing the sustainable development goals"; meet with a number of leaders of countries, international organizations, and large corporations in the fields of technology and innovation on the sidelines of the conference.
On the same day, February 11, Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Foreign Affairs Bui Thanh Son met with Lao Prime Minister Sonexay Siphandone, congratulating Laos on its increasingly enhanced position in the region and the international arena. On this occasion, Deputy Prime Minister and Minister Bui Thanh Son informed about the socio-economic achievements that Vietnam has achieved in recent times and the drastic measures being implemented to implement Resolution 18 on continuing to innovate and reorganize the apparatus of the political system to be streamlined and operate effectively and efficiently.
Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Foreign Affairs Bui Thanh Son expressed his delight at the positive development of cooperation between the two countries in many areas, as demonstrated by the meeting of the two Politburoes and the 47th Session of the Intergovernmental Committee as well as meetings between the two countries' senior leaders. Bilateral economic, trade and investment cooperation has seen many improvements, notably the bilateral trade turnover in 2024 reached 2.25 billion USD, an increase of 38.2% compared to 2023. Many obstacles in key projects are being actively reviewed and resolved.
Lao Prime Minister Sonexay Siphandone affirmed that the Lao Party, State, Government and people always attach importance to and give the highest priority to consolidating and enhancing the great friendship, special solidarity and comprehensive cooperation with Vietnam. The Lao Prime Minister expressed his sincere gratitude to the Party, State, Government and people of Vietnam for always providing Laos with valuable cooperation and support in the past struggle for independence as well as in the current cause of national construction and development; and asked the Vietnamese side to continue sharing experiences in stabilizing the macro-economy and building an independent and self-reliant economy.
The two sides discussed preparations for upcoming high-level visits; agreed to continue directing ministries and sectors to vigorously implement the agreements reached at the meeting of the two Politburoes and the results of the recent 47th meeting of the Vietnam-Laos Intergovernmental Committee to promote cooperation in all fields.
Lao Prime Minister Sonexay Siphandone and Deputy Prime Minister and Minister Bui Thanh Son also affirmed that the great Vietnam-Laos relationship is a priceless asset of the two countries and two peoples, which needs to be further nurtured and preserved for future generations.
