Vietnam and Laos sign 17 cooperation agreements

The prime ministers of Vietnam and Laos celebrating the new cooperation agreements

The 43rd meeting of the Vietnam-Laos Inter-Governmental Committee took place in Hanoi on December 6 under the chairmanship of Prime Minister Nguyen Xuan Phuc and Lao counterpart Thongloun Sisoulith, and the participation of Vietnamese Deputy Prime Minister, Foreign Minister Pham Binh Minh, Minister-Chairman of the Government Office Mai Tien Dung, Minister of Planning and Investment Nguyen Chi Dung; Lao Minister of Planning and Investment Sonexay Siphandone, Foreign Minister Saleumxay Kommasith, and Minister-Chairman of the Lao Government Office Khamjane Vongphosy.

At the meeting, the two governments agreed on some bilateral cooperation agreements for the mid- and long-term, in numerous sectors like politics, foreign affairs, national defence-security, and education-training.

At the press conference after meeting, PM Nguyen Xuan Phuc confirmed that the 43th Vietnam-Laos inter-governmental meeting has gained remarkable outcomes, contributing to the bilateral relationship. "This is a mutual asset for the two countries, which will be maintained forever," he highlighted.

The two PMs believed that the success of the meeting would be a new driving force to boost the bilateral tie development deeper and effectively, contributing to the relations of the two countries.

They also witnessed the signing ceremony of 17 cooperation agreements. Notably, Minister Nguyen Chi Dung and his Lao counterpart Sonsai Siphandone signed the Vietnam-Laos cooperation plan for 2021.

Besides, there are agreements on regulations on financial and non-refundable aid management, two documents on financial cooperation between the Ministry of Finance of Vietnam and Laos, a protocol of the two countries related to the development of Vung Ang sea port, in addition to some MoUs involving railway projects, cooperation on legislation and justice, education-training, and power purchasing.

The two PMs expressed great joy over the signing of all important agreements. PM Phuc affirmed that the Vietnamese government would direct all ministries, agencies, localities, and businesses to closely collaborate with Lao partners to push the implementation of agreements, and facilitate businesses to develop projects in Laos. While PM Thongloun Sisoulith said that the meeting produced the best outcomes ever.