Prime Minister Phạm Minh Chính (right) and visiting President of the Lao State Inspection Authority Khamphan Phommathat. — VNA/VNS Photo Dương Giang

HÀ NỘI — Việt Nam always gives the top priority to maintaining, consolidating and fostering its great friendship, special solidary and comprehensive cooperation with Laos, Prime Minister Phạm Minh Chính told visiting President of the Lao State Inspection Authority Khamphan Phommathat at their meeting in Hà Nội on Monday afternoon.

"Việt Nam stands ready to work with and assist Laos in building an independent and self-reliant economy," the Government leader added.

Informing the host PM about good outcomes of the recent talks between his delegation and the Government Inspectorate of Việt Nam, Phommathat proposed Việt Nam offer further support for Laos, especially experience in macro-economic management, perfecting institutions and legal regulations, and improving professional capacities and skills, as well as the effectiveness and efficiency of inspection, complaint resolution, and anti-corruption measures.

Both host and guest expressed their joy over the growing Việt Nam-Laos cooperation toward practical outcomes, with delegation exchanges maintained and bilateral trade hitting some US$620.6 million in the first fourth months, up 10 per cent year-on-year.

PM Chính recommended inspection bodies under the countries’ Parties and states coordinate in building plans to effectively implement high-level agreements, existing collaboration mechanisms, and the outcomes of the 46th meeting of the Việt Nam-Laos Intergovernmental Committee for Bilateral Cooperation.

"It is necessary to step up cross-border economic cooperation and projects that enhance transport and trade connectivity and economic integration, with key initiatives including the Hà Nội-Vientiane expressway and the Vientiane-Vũng Áng railway," he noted.

He also called on the bodies to continue their high-level delegation exchanges and cooperation, particularly in inspection work, anti-corruption efforts, and complaint resolution. Chính encouraged them to maintain training programmes to improve the professional capacity of their personnel.

The PM affirmed that Việt Nam is willing to share expertise with Laos in macro-economic management, particularly in monetary and fiscal policies, and support the neighbour in successfully undertaking its international responsibilities this year, including the rotating ASEAN chairmanship. — VNS