(VOVworld) – Vietnam and Laos released a joint statement on the occasion of an official visit by the Lao Party General Secretary and President.

The statement says both countries agreed to boost comprehensive cooperation in the spirit of independence, self-reliance, equal and mutually beneficial cooperation, and mutual support for peace, stability, cooperation, and development in Southeast Asia and the world. The two countries agreed to increase the exchange of party leaders and officials, expand cooperation in economics, culture, science, and technology and implement high-ranking agreements and cooperation plans between the two governments. They agreed to strengthen cooperation in national defense and security, maintain political stability, and develop a joint border of peace, stability, cooperation, and development.

The two sides agreed to exchange notes on regional and global issues of mutual concern, strengthen cooperation at regional and global forums such as the UN and ASEAN, contribute to the development of the ASEAN Community, and increase ASEAN’s unity and central role. The two sides welcomed the results of the first Lancang-Mekong Summit and agreed to work closely with Cambodia in implementing cooperation projects at their development triangle.

The two sides stressed the importance of maintaining peace, stability, security, and safety in the East Sea, agreed to boost the settlement of disputes in the East Sea through peaceful means in line with international law, and coordinate with other parties concerned in implementing the Declaration on the Conduct of Parties in the East Sea towards adopting a Code of Conduct in the East Sea to maintain peace, stability, cooperation, and development in the region and the world.