(VOVWORLD) - Prime Minister Pham Minh Chinh hosted a welcome ceremony on Saturday morning for his Lao counterpart Sonexay Siphandone, who is in Vietnam for an official visit and the 46th meeting of the two countries’ Inter-Governmental Committee.
 PM Pham Minh Chinh (L) and his Lao counterpart Sonexay Siphadone review the guard of honour at the welcome ceremony in Hanoi on January 6 morning. (Photo: VOV) |
During talks held after the welcome ceremony, Prime Minister Chinh affirmed that Vietnam treasures and gives the highest priority to the special relationship between Vietnam and Laos.
The two Prime Ministers agreed to increase the exchange of high-level visits and contacts, effectively implement agreements on bilateral cooperation in defense and security, border management and protection, and transnational crime prevention, and continue to work closely in the search and repatriation of the remains of Vietnamese volunteer soldiers and experts who died in Laos.
 At the talks between Vietnamese and Lao Prime Ministers (Photo: VGP) |
The two sides are determined to promote cooperation between localities of the two countries, strengthen bilateral cooperation in economics, finance, transport infrastructure, energy, telecommunications, culture, tourism and health care, support each other to build an independent and self-reliant economy, enhance trilateral cooperation between Vietnam, Laos and development partners, and create a favorable environment for Vietnamese businesses in Laos.
The two Prime Ministers emphasized the importance of maintaining peace, security and stability in the region, including maintaining solidarity, common stance and the central role of ASEAN on regional security and strategic issues, including the East Sea issue.
They agreed to continue to coordinate closely and support each other at regional and international forums.
Prime Minister Pham Minh Chinh affirmed that Vietnam is ready to support Laos to successfully undertake international responsibilities in 2024, including the role of ASEAN Chair.
Following the talks, the two Prime Ministers witnessed the signing ceremony of four cooperation documents including: a Border Guard Cooperation Protocol between the two Ministries of Defense of Vietnam and Laos, a Memorandum of Understanding on Cooperation Plan between the two Government Offices of Vietnam and Laos, a Memorandum of Understanding on development and connection of border trade infrastructure between the Governments of Vietnam and Laos, and 2024 Cooperation Plan between the Ministry of Education and Training of Vietnam and the Ministry of Education and Sports of Laos.