The consultation took place during the Lao Minister of Foreign Affairs’ official visit to Vietnam at the invitation of his Vietnamese counterpart Bui Thanh Son.
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Vietnamese Minister of Foreign Affairs Bui Thanh Son (left) and his Lao counterpart Saleumxay Kommasith at the event |
During the event, the two ministers agreed to continue working closely with ministries and agencies to effectively realize signed bilateral cooperation agreements and results of high-level visits and make preparations for delegation exchange activities, important cooperation mechanisms, and celebrations of the Vietnam – Laos Friendship and Solidarity Year 2022.
At the consultation, Vietnamese Minister of Foreign Affairs Bui Thanh Son briefed his Lao counterpart on the outcomes of the 31st National Diplomacy Conference, especially the first National Conference on Foreign Affairs on December 14.
The two officials highly appreciated the development of cooperation between the two foreign ministries on the basis of their 2021-2025 cooperation agreement as well as annual cooperation mechanisms and other exchanges between their subordinate units.
On the occasion, units under the two ministries held working meetings and exchanges to share experience and put forth cooperation orientation in the coming time. In particular, the Departments of Law and International Treaty of the two ministries reviewed international treaties signed by the two countries over the past time to serve as a basis for the signing of other treaties on different fields.
At the event, the two ministers briefed each other on each country’s foreign policies and exchanged their views and evaluation of regional and international issues of mutual concern, including the strategic environment in Asia-Pacific region, cooperation within ASEAN, and sub-regional development.
The two officials spoke highly of the observance of international law and emphasized ASEAN’s central role in regional architectures. They pledged to work closely together at regional and international forums, including maintaining ASEAN’s common stance on the East Sea (South China Sea) issue and actively and proactively sharing information and viewpoints via all channels, thus improving each country’s international position.
The Lao Foreign Minister affirmed that the country will support Vietnam’s run for a seat at the United Nations Human Rights Council for the 2023-2025 tenure. Laos will also continue fostering cooperation within the Mekong sub-regional cooperation mechanisms such as the Cambodia – Laos – Vietnam Development Triangle Area (CLV), the Cambodia – Laos – Myanmar – Vietnam Cooperation (CLMV) and the Ayeyawady - Chao Phraya - Mekong Economic Cooperation Strategy (ACMECS).
Translated by Tran Hoai