(VOVworld) – Laos’ Vice President Bounnhang Vorachith is on an official visit to Vietnam at the invitation of Vice President Nguyen Thi Doan. During talks on Tuesday, the two leaders stressed the importance of fostering the two countries’ traditional friendship and comprehensive cooperation. They agreed to increase high-level visit exchanges, coordinate efforts to implement agreements reached at the 37^th session of the Vietnam-Laos intergovernmental committee, and make preparations for the 38^th session later this year. They agreed to effectively implement cooperative agreements between the two foreign ministries including the annual ministerial level consultation meeting by the end of this year. They agreed to soon complete and sign a Protocol on the Vietnam-Laos borderline and markers and an Agreement on border and border checkpoint management mechanisms between the two countries before the end of the year. They agreed to implement the new trade agreement and the Vietnam-Laos border trade agreement, boost transport connectivity and energy projects, step up the implementation of Vietnamese investment projects in Laos, and remove obstacles to Vietnamese businesses in Laos.

Both sides agreed to continue cooperation at regional and global forums and coordinate with other ASEAN countries in building an ASEAN Community by the end of this year as well as maintaining ASEAN’s role in the region’s strategic issues. They agreed on the maintenance of peace, stability, security, and navigation and aviation safety and security in the East Sea in line with international law, particularly the 1982 UN Convention on the Law of the Sea with respect to the Declaration on the Conduct of Parties in the East Sea towards adopting a Code of Conduct in the East Sea. Vice President Doan said that Vietnam will support Laos to fulfill its role as ASEAN President next year.