Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Foreign Affairs Bùi Thanh Sơn (right) and Lao Deputy Minister of Foreign Affairs Phoxay Khaykhamphithoune in Hà Nội on Thursday. — VNA/VNS Photo

HÀ NỘI — Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Foreign Affairs Bùi Thanh Sơn hosted a reception in Hà Nội on Thursday for Lao Deputy Minister of Foreign Affairs Phoxay Khaykhamphithoune who is in Việt Nam to co-chair the 9th political consultation between the two Ministries of Foreign Affairs.

Sơn spoke highly of the deputy ministerial-level political consultation mechanism between the two ministries and urged both sides to increase information and experience exchange, work more closely at global and regional forums, and actively realise high-level agreements between the two countries' leaders and ministries for the 2021-25 period. The goal is to deepen and enhance the practical and effective development of the bilateral relations.

Phoxay extended his congratulations to Sơn, leaders and staff of the Vietnamese Ministry of Foreign Affairs on the 79th anniversary of Việt Nam's National Day and the 79th founding anniversary of the diplomatic sector.

In the afternoon of the same day, Vietnamese Deputy Minister of Foreign Affairs Đỗ Hùng Việt and his Lao counterpart Phoxay Khaykhamphithoune co-chaired the 9th deputy ministerial-level political consultation.

Both sides agreed to continue effectively preparing for high-level visits and important bilateral cooperation mechanisms in the near future. They also pledged to work closely with relevant ministries, agencies and localities to advance the implementation of high-level agreements.

On global and regional issues of shared concern, they concurred that given complicated and uncertain global and regional developments, it is crucial to uphold the tradition of close cooperation and mutual support at global and regional forums, especially within the United Nations, the Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN), and sub-regional cooperation mechanisms, and strategic issues relating to regional peace and stability.

Việt Nam will continue working closely with and fully support Laos in successfully fulfilling its role as ASEAN Chair in 2024, contributing to maintaining the bloc’s unity and central role, Việt said.

The two sides vowed to continue carrying out the 2021-25 cooperation agreement between the two ministries, maintaining regular and effective ministerial and deputy ministerial consultation mechanisms, increasing the exchange of information and professional experiences, and working closely with relevant units of both ministries.

The key areas of focus include policy research, foreign strategy, economic diplomacy, consular affairs, overseas Vietnamese, border issues, training, and capacity building.

The two sides agreed to hold the 10th deputy ministerial-level political consultation in Laos in 2025. — VNS