VIENTIANE — The Vietnamese Ministry of Foreign Affairs will continue close co-ordination with its Lao counterpart to tighten Việt Nam-Laos relations for the benefits of their people, Deputy Prime Minister and Foreign Minister Phạm Bình Minh has said.

Minh made the statement at separate meetings with Lao leaders, including General Secretary of the Lao People’s Revolutionary Party (LPRP) and President Bounnhang Vorachith, Prime Minister Thongloun Sisoulith and Chairwoman of the National Assembly Pany Yathotou yesterday, as part of his visit to the country from December 18-19 to co-chair the fifth foreign ministerial-level consultation with Lao FM Saleumxay Kommasith.

The Lao leaders lauded the annual consultation mechanism, saying it has helped the two foreign ministers discuss strategic issues to give effective recommendations to bolster bilateral ties to leaders of both nations.

LPRP General Secretary and President Bounnhang Vorachith affirmed the Lao Party and State always attach importance to nurturing the traditional friendship between Laos and Việt Nam.

PM Thongloun Sisoulith expressed his pleasure at the development of bilateral relations, especially the close ties between the two governments and the connecting role of the two foreign ministries.

Meanwhile, NA Chairwoman Pany Yathotou promised to support necessary changes and supplements in mechanisms, policies and laws to boost trade and investment ties between Laos and Việt Nam.

Earlier, Minh had talks with his Lao counterpart Saleumxay Kommasith, during which they discussed measures to foster bilateral relations and exchanged views on regional and international issues of mutual concern.

Both diplomats said they were delighted at the effective development of the friendship in all spheres such as politics, foreign affairs, security, defence, economy, trade, investment, and education.

They agreed to increase the exchange of high-level visits and meetings, effectively carry out the existing co-operation mechanisms and work with ministries and branches to prepare for the 41st meeting of the Việt Nam-Laos Intergovernmental Committee, scheduled for early 2019 in Việt Nam.

They said the two foreign ministries have enjoyed effective co-operation through a wide range of mechanisms like the foreign ministerial-level consultation, the deputy minister-level political consultation, border meetings and human resources training.

The two FMs agreed that in the context of complicated global developments, the two ministries need to step up discussions on regional and international issues based on mutual trust and understanding.

Sharing their viewpoints on several international issues, including the Asia-Pacific situation, ASEAN co-operation, Mekong sub-region collaboration and sustainable water use, and the East Sea, they consented to continue working together at regional and international forums to elevate the position of each country in the international arena.

After the talks, on behalf of Party, State and Government leaders, the two FMs presented orders and medals to units and individuals of the two foreign ministries, who have made significant contributions to promoting Việt Nam-Laos solidarity. — VNS