Vietnam, Laos hold first deputy foreign ministerial political consultation

The two sides informed each other of their respective country's situations and reviewed the implementation of their ministries' co-operation agreement.

In 2015, the two ministries have continued to carry out delegation exchanges, coordinated in organising major festivals and contributed to enhancing co-operation in security defence, economics, trade, investment, education and transport.

Both agreed to further their bilateral collaboration, prepare for the Inter-Governmental Committee's 38th meeting in Laos in late 2015, work towards the early conclusion of a project to increase and upgrade the two countries' border markers and implement the government-level agreement on addressing irregular migration and illegitimate marriages.

They also vowed to maintain close co-ordination at regional and international forums, especially within the Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN), while working with other ASEAN countries to determine the group's roles and viewpoints on strategic issues in the region.

The second political consultation will be held in Laos in 2016.

Later the same day, the Lao official was received by Deputy Prime Minister and Foreign Minister Pham Binh Minh who confirmed that Vietnam continually gives top priority to consolidating and developing the Vietnam-Laos special solidarity and all-round co-operation.

Minh spoke highly of outcomes of the consultation, stressing the need for the two ministries to further enhance their role in proposing measures to further the two countries' relations.

He affirmed that Vietnam will support and closely co-ordinate with Laos in 2016 when the latter assumes the position as Chair of ASEAN.

The Lao guest expressed his hope that the Deputy Prime Minister and Foreign Minister would continue directing the ministry to tighten co-operation with Laos to further enhance the relations between the two countries.

(Source: VNA)