Prime Minister Phạm Minh Chính and Lao counterpart Sonexay Siphandone met in Vientiane on Wednesday. — VNA/VNS Photo Dương Giang

VIENTIANE — Prime Minister Phạm Minh Chính held a working session with his Lao counterpart Sonexay Siphandone in Vientiane on April 5 to review the implementation of the agreement between the two Politburos.

PM Chính congratulated Laos on successfully hosting the fourth Mekong River Commission Summit, thereby improving its role and position in the region.

He expressed his belief that under the sound leadership of the Lao People's Revolutionary Party and the drastic directions of the Lao Government led by Siphandone, the Lao people will overcome difficulties and accomplish the resolution adopted by the 11th National Party Congress and the ninth five-year socio-economic development plan in order to build an independent, self-reliant, and increasingly prosperous country that extensively and intensively integrates into the world.

Siphandone, for his part, thanked PM Chính for attending and contributing to the success of the MRC Summit. He conveyed the regards of Lao Party General Secretary and President Thongloun Sisoulith and other high-ranking leaders to their Vietnamese counterparts.

The two PMs expressed their delight at the development of Việt Nam-Laos great friendship, special solidarity and comprehensive cooperation in various areas over the past years. Two-way trade surpassed US$1.7 billion last year, up over 24 per cent annually, exceeding the set target of 10-15 per cent.

Both sides agreed to continue with efforts to carry out the Việt Nam-Laos cooperation strategy agreement for the 2021-2030 period, the Việt Nam-Laos bilateral cooperation agreement for 2021-2023, other high-level agreements and cooperation plans signed in various fields.

They will continue facilitating the exchange of delegations at all levels via channels to constantly reinforce the particularly strong political relationship, coordinate to ensure security, social safety and order, enhance national defence-security cooperation, as well as the fight against transnational crimes, especially drug crime.

The two sides vowed to further elevate economic cooperation, offer mutual support to build independent and self-reliant economies with practical, intensive and effective international integration; strengthen economic connectivity; and improve the quality and effectiveness of aid projects.

They are determined to focus on removing obstacles and accelerating key projects such as the Vũng Áng 1, 2, 3 seaports, Nong Khang airport, and East-West road and rail transport connectivity projects.

Việt Nam is ready to help Laos successfully perform international tasks in the coming time, including the ASEAN/AIPA Chairmanship in 2024. — VNS