Vietnam always gives top priority to the special relationship with Laos.

(Dan Tri Newspaper) - Prime Minister Pham Minh Chinh affirmed that Vietnam always gives the highest priority to the unique and special relationship with Laos, strongly supporting Laos's efforts in protection, construction, reform, and development.

On the afternoon of October 24th, at the Government Headquarters, Prime Minister Pham Minh Chinh received the General Secretary and President of Laos, Thongloun Sisoulith, on the occasion of his participation in the signing ceremony of the United Nations Convention against Cybercrime ( Hanoi Convention) in Hanoi.

Prime Minister Pham Minh Chinh meets with General Secretary and President of Laos Thongloun Sisoulith (Photo: VNA).

Sharing his thoughts on this important diplomatic event, the Prime Minister stated that the Hanoi Convention's signing ceremony is a significant international event, and Vietnam is honored to host it. The Convention will create a new legal framework and framework, enabling member states worldwide to work together to combat cybercrime, contributing to global cybersecurity. The Prime Minister emphasized that the participation of the General Secretary and President of Laos, along with a high-level Lao delegation, in the Hanoi Convention's signing ceremony significantly contributed to the event's overall success.

The Prime Minister expressed deep sympathy for the heavy losses caused by natural disasters and floods, which are affecting the lives and livelihoods of the Lao people; and expressed confidence that, with the timely guidance of the Lao People's Revolutionary Party and the effective measures of the Lao Government, the affected areas will soon overcome the consequences of the natural disasters and stabilize their lives.

The Prime Minister also highly appreciated the important results that Laos has achieved in implementing the Resolution of the 11th Congress of the Lao People's Revolutionary Party, the 9th Five-Year Socio-Economic Development Plan, as well as the National Program on overcoming economic and financial difficulties and drug prevention and control; the work of organizing Party Congresses at all levels, moving towards good preparation for the 12th National Congress of the Party in early 2026.

Regarding bilateral cooperation, Prime Minister Pham Minh Chinh expressed his pleasure at seeing the great friendship, special solidarity, and comprehensive cooperation between Vietnam and Laos continue to develop well in recent times. High-level leaders of the two countries regularly meet and exchange views at bilateral working sessions as well as at regional and international forums, discussing many in-depth, comprehensive, and substantive issues on core matters that further deepen the close relationship between the two Parties and the two countries.

In 2025, many key projects are being implemented on schedule, meeting the set requirements. Particularly in terms of economy and trade, bilateral trade turnover in the first nine months of 2025 reached US$2.4 billion, an increase of 57.1% compared to the same period in 2024; of which, exports reached US$884.5 million (an increase of 79.9%), and imports reached US$1.5 billion (an increase of 46%).

Prime Minister Pham Minh Chinh affirmed that Vietnam, as always, gives the highest priority to its unique and special relationship with Laos, and strongly and comprehensively supports Laos's efforts in defense, construction, reform, and development.

Lao Party General Secretary and President Thongloun Sisoulith expressed his delight at attending the signing ceremony of the United Nations Convention against Cybercrime; he assessed this as a historically significant event, marking the first time the international community has achieved a global legal framework to address cybercrimes.

The General Secretary and President of Laos extended special congratulations to Vietnam on hosting this important event, known as the "Hanoi Convention," which is linked to a global multilateral treaty in a field of particular interest to the international community. This will contribute to promoting the image of Vietnam and its people, and will significantly enhance Vietnam's role and position in the international and regional arena.

The General Secretary and President of Laos agreed with Prime Minister Pham Minh Chinh's assessments and shared views on the positive results achieved in bilateral cooperation in the past period, noting many bright spots, including many important projects that will be completed in 2025 as planned; and sincerely thanked Vietnam for its heartfelt and selfless assistance and support to Laos over the years.

On this occasion, the General Secretary and President of Laos expressed his deepest condolences for the damage caused by the recent storms and floods in the northern provinces of Vietnam; affirming that the Party, State, and people of Laos always stand shoulder to shoulder with the Party, State, and people of Vietnam in all circumstances.

The two leaders agreed that both sides should strengthen and closely coordinate the effective and timely implementation of key projects between the two countries, and organize important and practical diplomatic activities to commemorate the significant anniversaries of the two Parties and two countries in the coming period.

Source: https://dantri.com.vn/thoi-su/viet-nam-luon-danh-uu-tien-cao-nhat-cho-moi-quan-he-dac-biet-voi-lao-20251024221008076.htm