Prime Minister Pham Minh Chinh's 2-day working trip to Laos with 20 activities

According to Deputy Minister of Foreign Affairs Do Hung Viet, Prime Minister Pham Minh Chinh's visit to Laos lasted two days and included nearly 20 diverse and enriching activities.

A business trip filled with special "firsts".

On the evening of January 10th, Prime Minister Pham Minh Chinh arrived back in Hanoi , successfully concluding his visit to Laos and co-chairing the 47th Session of the Vietnam-Laos Intergovernmental Committee from January 9-10 at the invitation of Lao Prime Minister Sonexay Siphandone.

Speaking to the press after the trip, Deputy Minister of Foreign Affairs Do Hung Viet said that this trip was marked by several special "firsts".

Prime Minister Pham Minh Chinh departs Vientiane, concluding his visit to Laos and co-chairing the 47th Session of the Vietnam-Laos Intergovernmental Committee.

PHOTO: VNA

This is the first overseas visit by a key Vietnamese leader in 2025. For Laos, this is the first foreign head of state to visit the country in 2025.

"This shows that both countries give the highest priority to strengthening and developing Vietnam-Laos relations, reflecting a unique, loyal, and close-knit relationship like that of brothers in a family. You gave Prime Minister Pham Minh Chinh and his delegation a warm welcome and a respectful ceremony with the unique characteristics of the relationship between the two countries," Mr. Viet shared.

Prime Minister Pham Minh Chinh met with General Secretary and President of Laos Thongloun Sisoulith.

PHOTO: DOAN BAC

The Deputy Minister of Foreign Affairs stated that although the visit lasted only two days, it included a packed schedule of nearly 20 diverse activities. Among them, Prime Minister Pham Minh Chinh met with all the top leaders of Laos and co-chaired three extremely important events: the 47th Session of the Intergovernmental Committee, the Vietnam-Laos Investment Cooperation Conference, and the groundbreaking ceremony for the Vietnam-Laos Friendship Park.

"It can be said that Prime Minister Pham Minh Chinh's working visit was a great success and achieved many important, highly effective, substantive, and comprehensive results, contributing to strongly promoting the great friendship, special solidarity, and comprehensive cooperation between Vietnam and Laos," Mr. Viet affirmed.

Determined to promote Vietnam-Laos relations in a new direction.

Under the close guidance of senior leaders and the prompt action of ministries, departments, and localities, both sides have definitively resolved many outstanding projects, creating momentum for a new, more dynamic and substantive phase of cooperation and development. Deputy Minister Do Hung Viet added that both sides are pleased with the strong developments in economics, trade, and investment.

Prime Minister Pham Minh Chinh and Lao Prime Minister Sonexay Siphandone co-chaired the 47th session of the Intergovernmental Committee on Bilateral Cooperation between Vietnam and Laos.

PHOTO: DOAN BAC

Notably, bilateral trade turnover in 2024 is estimated to reach US$2.2 billion, exceeding the target of US$2 billion and reaching an all-time high. Investment cooperation has seen positive developments, with registered investment capital in Laos reaching US$191.1 million in 2024, a 62.1% increase compared to 2023. The two countries signed an agreement on the purchase and sale of coal and electricity, finalized the framework for local currency payments, and established bilateral retail payment connectivity at this 47th session.

"These are important legal foundations for both sides to continue coordinating and effectively implementing the committed agreements on cooperation in coal and electricity trading in the coming period; as well as facilitating trade, commerce and financial needs of businesses and people of both countries, especially in border areas," the Deputy Minister of Foreign Affairs said.

In addition, both sides reached a high level of consensus on the principles and directions of strategic projects in infrastructure connectivity, transportation, and energy, and on strengthening business connections to usher in an era of highly interconnected cooperation between the two economies.

We are determined to promote relations in a new direction, focusing on practical effectiveness, avoiding waste, and prioritizing key areas to ensure substantive development of relations and actively support the process of building independent and self-reliant economies in each country.

"The results of the exchanges between the high-level leaders of the two countries have encouraged and motivated Vietnamese businesses that have invested, are investing, and will invest in Laos. Lao leaders are committed to continuing to pay attention to, create favorable conditions, and provide mechanisms and policies to support and resolve difficulties for Vietnamese businesses investing in Laos," Deputy Minister Do Hung Viet emphasized.

Deputy Minister of Foreign Affairs Do Hung Viet

PHOTO: Ministry of Foreign Affairs

In the spirit of traditional solidarity and mutual assistance among Vietnam, Laos, and Cambodia, the Deputy Minister shared that both sides agreed to continue exchanging information and coordinating with Cambodia to promote projects and cooperation among the three countries to bring about practical economic benefits, in line with the development requirements in the new phase, and to elevate economic ties commensurate with political and diplomatic relations.

"Prime Minister Pham Minh Chinh affirmed that Vietnam consistently prioritizes developing relations with close neighboring countries such as Laos and Cambodia. Vietnam is ready and encourages businesses to cooperate in investment and business, working together, sharing benefits, and developing together," Deputy Minister Do Hung Viet said.

Thanhnien.vn

Source: https://thanhnien.vn/chuyen-cong-tac-lao-2-ngay-voi-20-hoat-dong-cua-thu-tuong-pham-minh-chinh-185250111033252491.htm