The Prime Minister of Laos, Dr Sonexay Siphandone (right), greets his Vietnamese counterpart, Pham Minh Chinh, while co-chairing the 47th meeting of the Laos-Vietnam Intergovernmental Committee in Vientiane on January 9, 2025. - Photo: Vientiane Times/ANN
VIENTIANE: Laos and Vietnam demonstrated an unwavering bond and a shared vision for the future as their Prime Ministers co-chaired the 47th meeting of the Laos-Vietnam Intergovernmental Committee, charting a bold path for enhanced cooperation and mutual prosperity in 2025.
The two-day meeting of the Laos-Vietnam Intergovernmental Committee from Thursday (Jan 9) is aimed at further enhancing the friendly relations, special solidarity and comprehensive cooperation between the two neighbouring countries.
The meeting, co-chaired by the Lao Prime Minister, Dr Sonexay Siphandone, and his Vietnamese counterpart, Pham Minh Chinh, at the National Convention Centre in Vientiane, assessed the achievements under the cooperation plans for 2024, reviewed high-level agreements, and discussed the directions for bilateral collaboration in 2025.
The Lao Minister of Planning and Investment, Dr Phet Phomphiphak, who is also the Chairman of the Laos-Vietnam Cooperation Committee, highlighted the achievements in the implementation of the cooperation plans for 2024.
The two Prime Ministers praised the successful implementation of agreements, particularly for political, economic, defence and cultural cooperation.
Trade between the two countries in 2024 was worth more than US$2 billion, reflecting a 34 percent increase over the figures for 2023 and surpassing the target set by both sides.
Vietnamese investment in Laos was significant, with notable large-scale energy projects such as the Truong Son and Savan 1 wind power plants contributing to a 61.1 percent rise in the registered investment capital that totalled US$191.1 million in 2024.
While discussing the cooperation plans for 2025, the two sides agreed to enhance cooperation in politics, foreign affairs, national defence and cultural exchanges.
The Vietnamese government pledged continued funding to support Lao students studying in Vietnam, with 1,160 scholarships allocated for 2025.
According to a report from the committee, infrastructure projects, such as the joint development of Vung Ang Port in Vietnam’s central Ha Tinh province, a railway to link Laos with the port and Vientiane-Hanoi Highway, will be prioritised to strengthen connectivity.
The meeting reinforced the strong political ties, trust-building and frequent exchanges between leaders of both nations.
Cooperation in defence and peacekeeping also remains robust and effective.
Cultural and social cooperation deepened, fostering understanding among youth about the special ties between the two nations.
Ministries and localities strengthened collaborative efforts to effectively implement mutual agreements.
During the meeting, the Prime Ministers of Laos and Vietnam witnessed the signing of agreements for the cooperation plans for 2025 in areas such as education, investment and energy.
The Lao government expressed gratitude to Vietnam for its consistent support during the country’s nation-building phases.
Both governments pledged to continue enhancing bilateral cooperation to benefit the people of the two nations.
The success of the 47th meeting further strengthened the great friendship, special solidarity and comprehensive cooperation between Laos and Vietnam.
Both sides agreed to raise their partnership to new heights in the coming years. - Vientiane Times/ANN
