HANOI: Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Foreign Affairs Bui Thanh Son of Vietnam and visiting Lao Deputy Prime Minister Saleumxay Kommasith met in Hanoi to finalize plans for the 47th meeting of the Vietnam-Laos Intergovernmental Committee. The meeting aims to strengthen bilateral cooperation and address mutual interests, including infrastructure projects and economic partnerships.
According to Lao News Agency, Son highlighted the importance Vietnam places on its relationship with Laos, emphasizing the great friendship and comprehensive cooperation between the two nations. He expressed confidence that Kommasith’s visit would lead to positive outcomes for both countries. Kommasith, in turn, expressed gratitude for Vietnam’s continuous support, especially during challenging economic times in Laos. He underscored the unique and trusted relationship shared by the two countries.
Kommasith’s visit is primarily focused on reviewing and finalizing the preparations for the upcoming Vientiane meeting, which will be co-chaired by the Prime Ministers of both nations. The visit also included insights into Vietnam’s industrial cooperation models, with Kommasith expressing interest in establishing a Laos-Vietnam Industrial Park to attract Vietnamese investments, particularly in the processing industry.
The discussions also covered key cooperation projects, including transport infrastructure such as the Hanoi-Vientiane Expressway. Both sides agreed to address any obstacles and complete necessary legal procedures to facilitate their implementation. The Vietnam-Laos Friendship Park project in Laos, expected to be completed within a year, was also part of the agenda.
For the 47th meeting preparations, Son stated that the Vietnamese Ministry of Foreign Affairs would handle protocol, logistics, and communications, while the Ministry of Planning and Investment would coordinate the meeting’s agenda and content. Collaboration with Lao counterparts is crucial to ensure successful outcomes.
Son emphasized the importance of involving major enterprises in the meeting to foster business exchanges. He also called on relevant ministries and agencies to work closely with their Lao counterparts to resolve issues and complete legal procedures for ongoing projects, ensuring their timely completion.
The Vietnamese Deputy PM suggested that Kommasith guide the Lao side in coordinating with Vietnam on major projects, including Vung Ang Port and associated transport links. Completing the necessary procedures promptly is crucial for these key projects.