Prime Minister Pham Minh Chinh holds talks with Lao Prime Minister Sonexay Siphandone. Photo: VOV

During their talks after official welcome ceremony on Wednesday in Vientiane, Prime Minister Pham Minh Chinh and Lao Prime Minister Sonexay Siphandone pledged greater efforts to implement the Vietnam-Laos Strategic Cooperation Agreement 2021-2030, the Bilateral Cooperation Agreement 2021-2025 and the signed cooperation agreements and plans.

Both sides agreed to boost the exchange of political theories; coordinate in ensuring security, social order and safety; and strengthen cooperation in security and defense. They also agreed to raise the level of economic cooperation; support each other to recover from the pandemic; improve the investment and business environment; and strengthen the effective connection between the two economies.

Both leaders stressed the need to maintain stable trade growth of 10-15% per year or more, to constantly expanding investment cooperation, improve the effectiveness of cooperation in justice, science and technology, culture, tourism, people-to-people exchanges and cooperation among localities, especially those in border areas.

On regional and global issues of mutual concern, the two sides agreed to continue  close coordination, enhance information exchange, and support each other at multilateral forums, especially the United Nations (UN), Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN) and sub-regional cooperation mechanisms.

Together with other ASEAN countries, Vietnam and Laos will strive to maintain ASEAN’s unity and centrality and coordinate to maintain ASEAN's stance on strategic issues, including the East Sea. Vietnam is ready to support Laos to successfully undertake international responsibilities, including the role of ASEAN and the ASEAN Inter-Parliamentary Assembly (AIPA) Chair in 2024.

Shortly after the talks, the two Prime Ministers witnessed the signing ceremony of 10 cooperation documents between the two countries.

Afterwards, Prime Minister Pham Minh Chinh and Lao Prime Minister Sonexay Siphandone co-chaired the press conference on the results of the talks and attended the closing ceremony of the "Year of solidarity and friendship between Vietnam and Laos". They said activities were diverse and meaningful, helping people from all walks of life, especially the young generation of the two countries, deeply understand the historical connection between the two peoples.