The special relationship between Vietnam and Laos is prominently featured in Lao newspapers and media.

On January 6-7, many Lao online publications such as Pasaxon (People's Newspaper), Pathet Lao (Lao News Agency), Voice of Laos Radio, Laophatthana (Lao Development Newspaper)... simultaneously published news about the official visit to Vietnam, combined with co-chairing the 46th Session of the Vietnam-Lao Intergovernmental Committee, by Lao Prime Minister Sonxay Siphandone and his wife, along with a high-level delegation from the Lao People's Democratic Republic.

Prime Minister Pham Minh Chinh and Lao Prime Minister Sonexay Siphandone attend the Vietnam-Lao Investment Cooperation Conference 2024. (Source: VNA)

The articles all focused on the theme "Laos-Vietnam continue to strengthen their special relationship," stating that immediately after the solemn official welcoming ceremony at the Presidential Palace in Hanoi on the morning of January 6, Prime Minister Sonexay Siphandone and Prime Minister Pham Minh Chinh held talks at the Vietnamese Government headquarters.

During the talks, both sides highly appreciated the results of bilateral cooperation in 2023, and were pleased to note that many projects had been completed on schedule or ahead of schedule, many projects were progressing well, and many outstanding issues between the two countries had been resolved.

Both sides noted that the political relationship between the two countries continues to be strengthened, stable, and enjoys a high level of mutual trust. This provides a solid foundation for promoting cooperation in defense and security, economics, trade, investment, industry, energy, education, culture, tourism, and healthcare. The two sides also discussed future cooperation directions and plans, agreeing to continue implementing agreements reached by high-level leaders of both countries, as well as relevant documents between the two Parties, the two States, and all relevant ministries and agencies from the central to local levels.

According to Lao press reports, at the talks, Prime Minister Pham Minh Chinh warmly welcomed and highly appreciated the first official visit to Vietnam by Mr. Sonexay Siphandone in his capacity as Prime Minister; and pledged to continue cooperating with, supporting, and assisting Laos in the future, especially when Laos assumes the ASEAN chairmanship in 2024.

On behalf of the Lao Party, Government, and People, Prime Minister Sonexay Siphandone expressed deep gratitude and sincere thanks to the fraternal Party, State, and People of Vietnam for their continuous assistance and support to Laos in the cause of national defense and development over the years; and also extended New Year greetings for 2024 and the upcoming Lunar New Year to the Vietnamese people.

According to online publications of the Lao press, at the conclusion of the talks, the Prime Ministers of Vietnam and Laos witnessed the signing of four cooperation documents: the Protocol on Border Defense Cooperation between the Ministries of National Defence of Vietnam and Laos; the Memorandum of Understanding on the Cooperation Plan between the Government Offices of Vietnam and the Prime Minister's Office of Laos; the Memorandum of Understanding on the Development and Connectivity of Border Trade Infrastructure between the Governments of Vietnam and Laos; and the 2024 Cooperation Plan between the Ministry of Education and Training of Vietnam and the Ministry of Education and Sports of Laos.

Source: https://baoquocte.vn/quan-he-dac-biet-viet-lao-noi-bat-tren-cac-an-pham-bao-chi-truyen-thong-lao-256501.html