Vietnam, Laos hold tenth foreign ministerial-level consultation meeting
Vietnamese Minister of Foreign Affairs Bui Thanh Son and Lao Deputy Prime Minister and Foreign Minister Saleumxay Kommasith co-chaired the tenth Vietnam-Laos foreign ministerial-level consultation meeting in Hanoi on November 22.
At the tenth Vietnam-Laos foreign ministerial-level consultation meeting. (Photo: VNA)
Hanoi (VNA) – Vietnamese Minister of Foreign Affairs Bui Thanh Son and Lao Deputy Prime Minister and Foreign Minister Saleumxay Kommasith co-chaired the tenth Vietnam-Laos foreign ministerial-level consultation meeting in Hanoi on November 22.
The two ministers had an extensive and practical exchange, focusing on reviewing bilateral cooperation, preparing for high-level foreign affairs activities between the two countries in the future, and discussing measures to promote cooperation between the two foreign ministries.
Both sides expressed their joy at the steady and effective progress in all fields between Vietnam and Laos in recent times. Political trust has been strengthened with many delegation exchanges and contacts, creating a solid foundation and direction for the overall bilateral relationship. Security and defence cooperation have been consolidated, contributing to maintaining security and stability in each country.
Economic collaboration has seen positive changes. In the first ten months of 2023, the bilateral trade turnover reached more than 1.3 billion USD. Many key projects have been put into operation.
The countries have fostered cooperation in education and training, and human resources development, and strengthened communications among the young generation about the great relationship, special solidarity and comprehensive partnership between Vietnam and Laos.
The ministers shared the view that cooperation between the two ministries has been enhanced on the basis of their cooperation agreement for the 2021-25 period, and consented to maintain and promote periodic cooperation mechanisms such as the action programme strengthening economic diplomacy cooperation for 2020-25, and the cooperation programme on training Lao officials working in foreign affairs and international integration.
The two sides also agreed to closely coordinate and provide mutual support at multilateral forums, especially in the Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN) and Mekong sub-region cooperation mechanisms, and back ASEAN's common stance on strategic issues in the region, including the East Sea issue.
Son spoke highly of the preparations made by Laos for the ASEAN Chairmanship 2024 and emphasized that Vietnam is ready to support Laos to successfully take over the role.
Kommasith, who is on a visit to Vietnam from November 21-23, invited Son to visit Laos and co-chair the foreign ministerial-level consultation meeting in 2024./.
Permanent Vice Chairman of the Mass Mobilisation Commission of the Communist Party of Vietnam (CPV) Central Committee Pham Tat Thang held talks with Vice President of the Lao Front for National Construction (LFNC) Central Committee Inlavanh Keobounphanh in Hanoi on November 14.
The delegations from the Ministries of Defence of Vietnam, Laos, and Cambodia on November 20 inspected the preparation and final rehearsal of activities within the framework of the first Border Defence Friendship Exchange between the three countries slated for December 12 in the Central Highlands province of Kon Tum.
Vietnam will wholeheartedly support Laos in successfully fulfilling its international responsibilities, including its 2024 ASEAN chairmanship, said President Vo Van Thuong at his November 22 reception for Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Foreign Affairs of Laos Saleumxay Kommasith, who is in Vietnam to co-chair the 10th Vietnam-Laos foreign ministerial-level consultation.
General Nguyen Tan Cuong, Chief of the VPA’s General Staff and Deputy Minister of National Defence reaffirmed Vietnam’s unwavering gratitude for Cuba’s invaluable support during its struggle for independence and nation-building efforts, and pledged to stand shoulder-to-shoulder with Cuba as it navigates current challenges.
Vietnam is a country with which Russia shares a special relationship. In the 1950s and 60s, particularly during Vietnam’s struggle for independence, the two countries forged a deep bond. While much has changed over time, the friendship and cooperation between our nations have endured, said Russian President Vladimir Putin.
For 50 years, Vietnam and New Zealand have worked together to uphold peace and prosperity for their peoples and the region. The friendship, cooperation, and mutual understanding Vietnam and New Zealand nurtured have grown from a seed into a deeply rooted, strong, and thriving tree, she stressed.
Since the Strategic Partnership was established in 2020, Vietnam and New Zealand have witnessed steady growth in the relations. Beyond the remarkable 40% increase in bilateral trade over five years, political relations and multilateral interactions, particularly within the CPTPP framework, have remained highly positive.
Known as the “four pillars for Vietnam’s ascend”, the Pobiburo's Resolutions 57, 59, 66, and 68 focus on cultivating a robust national entrepreneurial spirit, unlocking resources for innovation across society, and accelerating the development of digital economy, knowledge-based economy, green economy, and circular economy, propelling Vietnam forward rapidly and firmly on the path of modernisation and international integration.
Minister of Finance Nguyen Van Thang cleared up deputies' concern regarding how to spur socio-economic growth, renew traditional growth motives and establish new momentum for development.
Vietnam proposed several priorities: narrowing the digital divide, strengthening women’s leadership in the digital economy and AI governance, and mobilising sustainable financing for gender equality initiatives in line with each country’s national priorities and context. Vietnam also advocated for genuine women’s participation and leadership across all areas of public life.
Ha expressed his hope that cooperation in science and technology, agriculture, and natural resources would emerge as new focal points and engines of growth in Vietnam–China relations.
Giang said he believes that building on the solid foundation nurtured over the past half-century and the strong determination of both nations, the Comprehensive Strategic Partnership will continue to grow in a more robust, comprehensive, and extensive manner, thus bringing more practical benefits to the two nations' people.
Highlighting the transformative potential of the draft law in revitalising Vietnam’s railway industry, Hoang Van Cuong, a deputy of Hanoi, expressed his support for Article 39, which empowers the Prime Minister to issue a list of railway-related goods and services to be assigned or ordered from domestic enterprises for production.
According to the Ministry of Public Security, Hoan, formerly Deputy Minister of Labour, Invalids and Social Affairs, is under investigation for allegedly taking bribes in connection with a case involving the Hoang Long Construction and Manpower Supply JSC and related units.
Chairing a national conference on the organisation of the examination on June 18, the PM highlighted the historical significance of the examination, as the restructuring of provincial-level administrative units is underway and the two-tier local administration model is set to officially begin operations on July 1.
Right on the same day, the ministry issued its highest-level travel warning, urging Vietnamese citizens not to travel to Israel or Iran, and advised those already in these countries to swiftly consider evacuation or relocation plans.
From the struggles against colonialists and imperialists to the period of Doi moi (renewal) and international integration, the Vietnamese revolutionary press has always played a pioneering role on the ideological and cultural front, he said.
The Party leader's working session with the standing boards of the Party Committees of HCM City, Ba Ria – Vung Tau and Binh Duong, the VNA General Director's remarks on the occasion of the 19th OANA General Assembly, the launch of new NIC - Google initiatives aimed at bolstering AI entrepreneurship and digital literacy in Vietnam are among news highlights June 18.
Vietnam and Indonesia reaffirmed their commitment to strengthening cooperation in combating terrorism as it remains a threat to peace, security, and stability across their respective nations, the broader region, and the international community.
The Vietnamese representative also emphasised the shared responsibility of relevant parties to build trust, enhance cooperation, and jointly manage the risks of conflict, thus safeguarding long-term peace and stability in the East Sea.
At the tenth Vietnam-Laos foreign ministerial-level consultation meeting. (Photo: VNA) 
