Hanoi (VNA) – Lao PrimeMinister Thongloun Sisoulith, his spouse and a high-ranking delegation of theLao Government on October 3 wrapped up their official visit to Vietnam at theinvitation of Vietnamese Prime Minister Nguyen Xuan Phuc.

During the three-day trip, Lao PM Thongloun Sisoulith held talks with hisVietnamese counterpart Nguyen Xuan Phuc; paid a courtesy visit to Party GeneralSecretary and President Nguyen Phu Trong; and met with National AssemblyChairwoman Nguyen Thi Kim Ngan.

He also paid tribute to late President Ho Chi Minh at his mausoleum in Hanoi,and visited a number of economic and cultural establishments in the centralcity of Da Nang.

The leaders of the two nations shared information about socio-economicdevelopment and deployment of external affairsin their respective countries in the recent past. They also discussed directions and measures toconsolidate and strengthen the great friendship, special solidarity andcomprehensive cooperation between Vietnam and Laos in the coming time.

The two sides affirmed to continue standingside by side and supporting each other in the cause of national defence anddevelopment of each country, both in bilateral frameworks as well as inregional and international forums.

They agreed to maintain the exchange of delegations and meetings at all levels andthrough different channels in a streamlined, effective and practical manner, with a focus placed on sharing experience and seekingsolutions to remove difficulties and obstacles; and to effectivelyimplement high-level agreements signed by the two sides.

The two sides consented to encourage ministries, departments, sectors andlocalities to expand direct cooperation and support each other insocio-economic development; and promptly solve problems arising on the basis offriendship and solidarity.

They agreed to expand tourism partnership, especially among southern border provincesof Laos and central provinces of Vietnam.

The two sides agreedto share information in a timely manner and closely coordinate with each otherand with related countries and international organisations to ensure themanagement and sustainable use of water resources of the Mekong River for thecommon interests of the people in the sub-regional nations. They agreed tocontinue with the effective coordination and mutual support at regional andinternational mechanisms.

The leaders of bothVietnam and Laos affirmed the importance of maintaining peace, stability, respectfor law, security, safety and freedom of navigation and aviation in the EastSea, and of settling disputes in the East Sea through peaceful measures on thebasis of international law, including the 1982 United Nations Convention on theLaw of the Sea (UNCLOS).

On the occasion, the two PMs witnessed the signing of eight cooperationagreements in the fields of economy, investment, education, finance, banking,energy and aviation./.