PM Chính and Lao PM Sonexay Siphandone Forge Stronger Bilateral Partnership
Vientiane, The Gulf Observer: Vietnamese Prime Minister Phạm Minh Chính met with his Lao counterpart, Prime Minister Sonexay Siphandone, in Vientiane on Tuesday, marking a significant step in their bilateral relations. The meeting took place during Prime Minister Chính’s visit to Laos to participate in the 44th and 45th ASEAN Summits and related high-level meetings.
Expressing gratitude for the warm reception extended by the Lao government, Prime Minister Chính reaffirmed Vietnam’s commitment to its special solidarity and comprehensive cooperation with Laos. He emphasized that the deep trust between the two nations has fostered effective collaboration in key areas such as economics, trade, defence, security, culture, and tourism.
Prime Minister Chính highlighted that the current meeting provided an opportunity for both leaders to discuss concrete measures to implement the recent directives of their respective Politburos. He underscored the importance of continued cooperation in emerging fields such as digital transformation, green transition, high-tech agriculture, and food security. Furthermore, he called for strengthened efforts to develop a high-quality workforce and to protect historic sites that symbolize the enduring friendship between Vietnam and Laos.
He also encouraged Laos to continue supporting Vietnamese businesses operating within its borders and commended Laos for its thorough preparations as ASEAN Chair in 2024. Prime Minister Chính expressed confidence that the upcoming ASEAN Summits and the 45th ASEAN Inter-Parliamentary Assembly (AIPA-45) would be successful, further enhancing ASEAN unity and Laos’ standing within the regional bloc.
In response, Lao Prime Minister Sonexay Siphandone expressed gratitude for Vietnam’s longstanding support, particularly during Laos’ struggle for national liberation and its subsequent development. He praised the mutual assistance between the two nations in the face of recent natural disasters, reflecting their strong bonds. Prime Minister Sonexay reaffirmed Laos’ commitment to effectively implement Vietnamese investment projects and work closely with Vietnam on key cooperation areas.
The two leaders agreed on the importance of maintaining high-level exchanges and pledged to enhance collaboration in sectors such as defence, infrastructure connectivity, investment, tourism, and ensuring security and social order. They also emphasized the significance of the Vietnam-Laos-Cambodia trilateral cooperation, which they agreed should be further strengthened to meet the development goals of all three countries.
In addition to his meeting with Prime Minister Sonexay, Prime Minister Phạm Minh Chính held talks with Lao National Assembly Chairman Saysomphone Phomvihane and attended the 2024 ASEAN Business and Investment Summit (ABIS), further reinforcing Vietnam’s role in regional cooperation.
This visit underscores the continued commitment of both Vietnam and Laos to deepen their bilateral relationship while working together to address regional challenges and opportunities within the ASEAN framework.
