The 43rd session of the Vietnam-Laos inter-governmental committee on December 6 in Hanoi yielded “unexpected important results”, contributing to deepening relations between the two countries, said Vietnamese Prime Minister Nguyen Xuan Phuc.
The meeting was chaired by Phuc and his Lao counterpart Thongloun Sisoulith.
Phuc made the remark at a press conference after the meeting.
The two sides agreed that relations between the two countries in 2020 and over the past five years had seen positive development steps despite changes in the world and the region, particularly the severe impacts of the Covid-19 pandemic and natural disasters.
Political trust was enhanced via many high-ranking visits and meetings, cooperation agreements and programmes were implemented, and bilateral cooperation mechanisms have been upheld and promoted, he said.
Cooperation in diplomacy, national defence, security, economy, culture, society and exchanges were expanded, along with education and training. The total investment of Vietnam in Laos was about $4.2 billion.
Regarding future cooperation, Phuc said the two sides agreed to implement joint declarations and agreements signed between leaders of the two countries, including the agreement on Vietnam-Laos Cooperation Plan for 2021.
The two sides put forward many strong and practical measures, particularly to encourage localities, ministries and sectors to support each other.
The two sides agreed to closely coordinate and support each other at global and regional forums.
A total of 17 documents were signed between the two sides at the meeting.
Phuc said that after the meeting, the Vietnamese government will direct ministries, sectors, localities and businesses to closely work with Lao partners to implement signed agreements, creating favourable conditions for businesses to invest and operate in Laos.
The two sides said they believed the success of the meeting would create momentum for expanding cooperation between the two countries, making important contributions to strengthening and enhancing the great friendship, special solidarity and comprehensive cooperation between Vietnam and Laos.
Agreeing with Phuc, Thongloun said the meeting achieved a result that had never before been seen since the two sides started holding inter-governmental meetings.
He said: “I will bring 17 documents signed today to Laos and inform all Lao people that Vietnam has continuously supported and assisted Laos in the national protection, construction and development cause of Laos.
“We will implement these 17 documents to gain practical results in 2021.”
The Lao side lauded Vietnam’s socio-economic development and congratulated Vietnam for its work as ASEAN chair this year.
At the meeting, Vietnam said it would continue to support Laos in many projects, notably by increasing non-refundable aid to Laos by 10 per cent.
VIET NAM NEWS/ASIA NEWS NETWORK