PM Nguyen Xuan Phuc holds phone talks with his Lao counterpart Thongloun Sisoulith on November 10, 2020. (Photo: Quang Hieu/VGP)

Vietnamese Prime Minister Nguyen Xuan Phuc and his Lao counterpart Thongloun Sisoulith spoke highly of bilateral coordination in key areas such as politics, security, national defence, economy, trade, investment, culture, information and education-training. 

As Vietnam and Laos have basically controlled the COVID-19 pandemic, the PMs highlighted the need to further facilitate the flows of cargo and passengers between the two countries.

They hailed close collaboration and mutual support at regional and global forums, especially within the framework of ASEAN and sub-regional cooperation mechanisms. 

The Lao PM spoke highly of Vietnam’s successes in its role as a non-permanent member of the United Nations Security Council for the 2020-2021 tenure and ASEAN Chair 2020, contributing to the building of a united, resilient and prosperous ASEAN Community. 

He also vowed to continue cooperating with and supporting Vietnam in successfully holding the 37th ASEAN Summit and related meetings. 

The two leaders shared the importance of continuing to strengthen ASEAN solidarity and consensus in the East Sea (known internationally as the South China Sea) issue, coordinating in negotiations to finalise an effective and practical Code of Conduct (COC) in the East Sea in line with international law, including the 1982 United Nations Convention on the Law of the Sea (UNCLOS), contributing to the maintenance of a peaceful and stable environment in the region.