Prime Minister Nguyễn Xuân Phúc (R) and Lao Prime Minister Thongloun Sisoulith witnessed the signing of the agreement on Việt Nam-Laos Cooperation Plan for 2021 on the sidelines of the 43rd session of the Việt Nam-Laos inter-governmental committee on Sunday. — VNA/VNS Photo

HÀ NỘI — The 43rd session of the Việt Nam-Laos inter-governmental committee on Sunday in Hà Nội yielded unexpected important results, contributing to deepening relations between the two countries, said Prime Minister Nguyễn Xuân Phúc.

The meeting was chaired by PM Phúc and Lao Prime Minister Thongloun Sisoulith.

PM Phúc made the remark at a press conference after the meeting.

The two sides agreed that relations between the two countries over the past five years and in 2020 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, co-operation agreements and programmes were implemented, and bilateral co-operation mechanisms have been upheld and promoted, he said.

Co-operation in diplomacy, national defence, security, economy, culture, society and exchanges were expanded together with education and training. The total investment of Việt Nam in Laos was about US$4.2 billion.

Regarding future co-operation, PM Phúc said the two sides agreed to implement joint declarations and agreements signed between leaders of the two countries, including the agreement on Việt Nam-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 co-ordinate and support each other at global and regional forums.

A total of 17 documents were signed between the two sides at the meeting.

PM Phúc said after the meeting, the Government would 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 co-operation between the two countries, making important contributions to strengthening and enhancing the great friendship, special solidarity and comprehensive co-operation between Việt Nam and Laos.

Agreeing with PM Phúc, Lao PM Sisoulith said the meeting achieved a result that had never before been seen since the two sides started holding inter-governmental meetings.

“I will bring 17 documents signed today to Laos and inform all Lao people that Việt Nam has continuously supported and assisted Laos in the national protection, construction and development cause of Laos,” he said.

“We will implement these 17 documents to gain practical results in 2021,” he added.

The Lao side applauded Việt Nam’s socio-economic development and congratulated Việt Nam for its work as ASEAN Chair in 2020.

At the meeting, Việt Nam said it would continue to support Laos in many projects, notably by increasing non-refundable aid to Laos by 10 per cent. VNS