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

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

Kommasith informed the PM about the success of the sixthpolitical consultation between the two foreign ministries, saying that bothsides proposed specific measures to further boost bilateral ties and raisemutual understanding between the two governments and peoples.

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

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

PM Phuc, for his part, expressed his delight at thedevelopment of Vietnam – 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 andlocalities to soon review the implementation of the cooperation plan 2019, thebilateral cooperation agreement for the 2016-2020 period, and agreementsreached by leaders.

He requested reaching consensus on removing obstacles inseveral key projects, particularly those that hold significance to politics andsecurity.

The leader lauded the two foreign ministries for proposingmeasures to the parties and states to further deepen great friendship, specialsolidarity and comprehensive partnership.

As the year 2020 is important to the two nations, the hostwished that their ministries and agencies would work closely together to hold celebrationsfor major festivals; as well as educate the two peoples, especially younggenerations, about the tradition of bilateral relationship.

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

As Vietnam will serve as ASEAN Chair and a non-permanentmember of the UN Security Council next year, the PM suggested that the twosides should increase consultations and mutual support, especially in securityand strategic issues in the region, contributing to maintaining solidarity andASEAN’s central role amid regional and global uncertainties.

Foreign Minister Saleumxay Kommasith said the Lao ForeignMinistry along with other ministries and agencies will further step up tieswith Vietnamese ministries, agencies and localities, thus strengthening Vietnam– Laos traditional and special solidarity./.VNA