Top Vietnamese and Lao leaders hold high-level talks in Hanoi

To Lam warmly welcomed Thongloun Sisoulith’s state visit, which he said is of special significance for enhancing and improving the effectiveness of comprehensive cooperation between the two parties and the two countries.

Vietnam will work closely alongside Laos to preserve and cultivate the great friendship, special solidarity, and comprehensive cooperation between the two countries, as well as the solidarity among the three countries of Vietnam, Laos, and Cambodia, said To Lam.

Thongloun Sisoulith for his part expressed his pleasure at returning to Vietnam and witnessing the country’s comprehensive achievements made over nearly 40 years of implementing the Doi Moi (Renewal) process.

Vietnam’s success serves as a source of encouragement, inspiration, and valuable lessons for Laos in its own efforts to build and develop the country, he said.

The two leaders emphasized that the great friendship, special solidarity, and comprehensive cooperation between Vietnam and Laos, founded and nurtured President Ho Chi Minh of Vietnam and President Kaysone Phomvihane of Laos, and their successors, is a priceless shared asset of both peoples. They noted that the mutual solidarity and support between the two parties and countries are objective necessities and historical imperatives, representing one of the greatest sources of strength and vital significance for the revolutionary cause, national construction and defense of each country.

The two leaders expressed their satisfaction with the significant recent developments in the relationship between their two parties and countries, as well as the comprehensive cooperation between Vietnam and Laos. They noted that many projects and initiatives have been effectively implemented, bringing practical benefits for the two countries’ people.

Both host and guest discussed measures to enhance the Vietnam-Laos relationship in a practical and effective manner across various fields.

They agreed to further deepen their political relationship, strengthen mutual understanding, and build trust, making it the cornerstone of their overall cooperation. They emphasized maintaining high-level visits and meetings between leaders of both parties and countries, enhancing information sharing, coordination on strategic issues, and theoretical exchanges, especially on new topics.

They also underscored the importance of promoting and educating young generations of the two countries about the special relationship between Vietnam and Laos, as well as the Vietnam-Laos-Cambodia trilateral relationship.

The two leaders consented to strengthen Vietnam – Laos defense and security cooperation, ensuring a solid foundation for mutual support to effectively address increasingly diverse and complex security challenges. They stressed the need to actively and effectively implement signed protocols and cooperation plans related to defense and security, contributing to the maintenance of political stability in each country.

They agreed on a shared commitment to making breakthroughs and enhancing the effectiveness of economic, cultural, and scientific-technical cooperation, by fully leveraging each country’s potential and strengths, and advancing substantial connectivity between their economies in terms of institutions, infrastructure, transportation, telecommunications, and tourism.

The ultimate goal is to foster long-term cooperation and mutual development for both countries, while also promoting the integration of the three economies of Vietnam, Laos, and Cambodia, as agreed by the governments of the three countries, they said.

Both sides agreed to closely coordinate and resolve any challenges or obstacles to effectively implement key projects of mutual interest.

The two leaders agreed to effectively maintain the exchange of information and assessments regarding international situations, and to protect each other’s legitimate interests in accordance with international law, with regard to issues such as the East Sea and the sustainable use of the Mekong River’s water resources. They also committed to closely consulting, coordinating, and supporting each other effectively on international and regional issues, as well as at multilateral forums.