Thailand
Laos, Vietnam review strategic cooperation to further bilateral ties
Laos and Vietnam are working to increase two-way trade, which is closely linked to the progress of the Vung Ang seaport project in Vietnam’s central Ha Tinh province and the Nong Khang airport project in Huaphan province in northern Laos.
In addition the two countries are planning the Vientiane-Hanoi expressway and the Vientiane-Thakhaek-Vung Ang railway, which is ranked in third place among foreign investment projects and will contribute to socio-economic development while also improving logistics and infrastructure and benefiting Laos.
The Lao and Vietnamese foreign ministers met in Vientiane on Wednesday to review the progress of cooperation in politics, foreign affairs, security, defence, economics, trade, investment and human resource development.
The meeting followed on from an official visit to Laos and attendance at the fifth foreign ministerial-level consultation meeting by Deputy Prime Minister and Foreign Minister of Vietnam, Pham Binh Minh, and his delegation, in response to an invitation from Lao Minister of Foreign Affairs Saleumxay Kommasith.
During the meeting, the two foreign ministers exchanged views and said they highly valued the special solidarity and comprehensive cooperation between Laos and Vietnam.
The two sides agreed to continue to resolve issues around illegal marriage and resettlement along their shared border, with completion expected by June 2019, while trade and the singlegate customs and immigration service at border crossings were also set for improvement, according to a press release from Laos’ Ministry of Foreign Affairs.
The meeting also agreed to increase reciprocal high-level visits and meetings, and effectively carry out existing cooperation mechanisms and work with ministries and branches to prepare for the 41st meeting of the Vietnam-Laos Intergovernmental Committee, which is scheduled for early 2019 in Vietnam. The two foreign ministries have enjoyed effective cooperation through a wide range of mechanisms including foreign ministerial-level consultations.
They agreed that in the context of complex global developments, the two ministries should step up discussions on regional and international issues based on mutual trust and understanding.
During the meeting, Mr Saleumxay, on behalf of the government, expressed thanks to the Party, government and people of Vietnam for their kind assistance and support to Lao people affected by the catastrophic flood in Sanamxay district, Attapeu province. At the same time he conveyed sympathy to Vietnamese people who had been affected by natural disasters. Mr Saleumxay also thanked Vietnam for continued support to Laos in the field of human resource development at various levels. In particular, officials from the Ministry of Foreign Affairs had been able to improve their knowledge at colleges and universities in Vietnam.
At the end of the meeting, the two foreign ministers on behalf of Party, State and government leaders presented orders and medals to units and individuals in the two foreign ministries who had made significant contributions to promoting friendly relations and solidarity between the two countries.
Also on Wednesday during the official visit mission in Vientiane, Deputy Prime Minister and Foreign Minister of Vietnam, Mr Minh, paid a courtesy visit to President Bounnhang Vorachit, Prime Minister Thongloun Sisoulith and President of the National Assembly Mrs Pany Yathotou.
Source: http://www.vientianetimes.org.la/freeContent/FreeConten_Laos298.php