VIENTIANE: The prime ministers of Laos and Vietnam have reiterated their continued support and appreciation of the long-standing close cooperation, solidarity, and mutual trust between the two neighbouring countries, while holding talks on the sidelines of the 48th Asean Summit and related meetings in the Philippines last Friday (May 8).
Prime Minister Sonexay Siphandone and Vietnamese Prime Minister Le Minh Hung met for talks on during the regional summit hosted in Cebu from May 7-8.
The meeting was the first official discussion between the two leaders since they took office, and continued the long-standing tradition of great friendship, special solidarity and comprehensive cooperation shared by Laos and Vietnam.
During the talks, the two heads of government said they highly valued the continued expansion of bilateral ties across all sectors, particularly in politics, national defence, public security, and economic cooperation.
They noted that cooperation in politics, defence and security remains a firm pillar of bilateral relations, while economic cooperation has achieved increasingly tangible results in recent years.
The two premiers agreed to strengthen coordination in preparation for the “Laos-Vietnam Solidarity and Friendship Year 2027”, which will mark the 65th anniversary of diplomatic relations and the 50th anniversary of the signing of the Treaty of Amity and Cooperation between the two countries.
In additon, they reaffirmed their commitment to accelerating strategic cooperation projects, especially infrastructure connectivity initiatives aimed at enhancing practical cooperation and regional integration.
Prime Minister Sonexay congratulated Vietnam on the successful opening session of the 16th National Assembly and extended congratulations to Le Minh Hung on his appointment as Prime Minister.
He also expressed sincere appreciation for Vietnam’s continued assistance and support to Laos, describing it as valuable, timely and highly effective, reflecting the enduring friendship between the two nations.
Dr Sonexay invited Le Minh Hung and his wife to pay an official visit to Laos in the near future.
In return, Prime Minister Le Minh Hung congratulated Laos on the successful opening session of the 10th National Assembly and extended congratulations to Dr Sonexay on his re-election as Prime Minister.
The Vietnamese premier invited Prime Minister Sonexay to pay an official visit to Vietnam and attend the Asean Future Forum 2026.
The two leaders accepted the invitations extended by their counterparts, reaffirming their shared commitment to further strengthening the special Laos-Vietnam relationship for the long-term benefit of both nations and peoples. - Vientiane Times/ANN
