Lao Foreign Minister Saleumxay Kommasith has affirmed that the Party, State, Government and people of Laos will do their best to help Viet Nam fulfill its role of ASEAN Chair 2020 and non-permanent member of the United Nations Security Council for the 2020 – 2021 tenure.

Prime Minister Nguyen Xuan Phuc (R) and Lao Foreign Minister Saleumxay Kommasith (Photo: VNA)

He made the statement during a reception hosted by Prime Minister Nguyen Xuan Phuc in Hanoi on December 26.

Kommasith informed the PM about the success of the sixth political consultation between the two foreign ministries, saying that both sides proposed specific measures to further boost bilateral ties and raise mutual understanding between the two governments and peoples.

He said the Vietnamese foreign ministry will increase the sharing of experience with the Lao counterpart in diplomatic, economic diplomacy and global integration policies.

According to him, the two sides signed an action programme on cooperation between the Vietnamese and Lao foreign ministries in further promoting economic diplomacy for the 2020 – 2025 period.

PM Phuc, for his part, expressed his delight at the development of Viet Nam – Laos ties with regular visits this year.

He highlighted the need to uphold domestic potential, considering it an important driving force of development.

The PM asked the two countries’ ministries, agencies and localities to soon review the implementation of the cooperation plan 2019, the bilateral cooperation agreement for the 2016-2020 period, and agreements reached by leaders.

He requested reaching consensus on removing obstacles in several key projects, particularly those that hold significance to politics and security.

The leader lauded the two foreign ministries for proposing measures to the parties and states to further deepen great friendship, special solidarity and comprehensive partnership.

As the year 2020 is important to the two nations, the host wished that their ministries and agencies would work closely together to hold celebrations for major festivals; as well as educate the two peoples, especially young generations, about the tradition of bilateral relationship.

The Lao Government was asked to remove difficulties faced by the Vietnamese firms and workers in Laos, update them about trade and investment incentives, thus ensuring their legitimate rights and interests.

As Viet Nam will serve as ASEAN Chair and a non-permanent member of the UN Security Council next year, the PM suggested that the two sides should increase consultations and mutual support, especially in security and strategic issues in the region, contributing to maintaining solidarity and ASEAN’s central role amid regional and global uncertainties.

Foreign Minister Saleumxay Kommasith said the Lao Foreign Ministry along with other ministries and agencies will further step up ties with Vietnamese ministries, agencies and localities, thus strengthening Viet Nam – Laos traditional and special solidarity.

(Source: VNA)