(MPI) - The 45th session of the Vietnam-Laos Inter-Governmental Committee on bilateral cooperation was held under the co-chair of Prime Minister Pham Minh Chinh and his Lao counterpart Sonexay Siphandone in Vientiane on Jauary 12.
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At the 45th meeting of the Vietnam-Laos Inter-Governmental Committee. Photo: MPI |
In his opening remarks, Prime Minister Sonexay welcomed Prime Minister Chinh to co-chair the 45th meeting of the Vietnam-Laos Inter-Governmental Committee; believed that with the close and long standing collaboration between the two countries, the meeting will be successful and contribute to deepening the great friendship, special solidarity between Vietnam and Laos.
He congratulated Vietnam on the significant socio-economic achievements over the years.
Prime Minister Chinh underlined, the 45th meeting is to concretise conclusions by the two Politburos.
The Vietnamese PM affirmed, the Vietnamese Party, Government and people consider their Lao counterparts close, reliable comrades, and brothers; supporting each other in building an economy of independence and self-reliance, which integrates into the world intensively, extensively, pragmatically and effectively.
On this occasion, the two prime ministers witnessed the signing of Memorandum of Understanding of the 45th session, and agreement on the 2023 cooperation plan in order to strengthen the great friendship, special solidarity and comprehensive cooperation between Vietnam and Laos.
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Signing of the 45th session MoU and agreement on the 2023 cooperation plan. Photo: MPI |
Speaking at the press conference, Minister of Planning and Investment Nguyen Chi Dung informed that at the 45th session, the two sides agreed to concretise conclusions by the two Politburos as well as the agreement on the 2023 cooperation plan.
These contents will be drastically implemented from the beginning of the year in order to boost collaboration across spheres, from politics, diplomacy, and national defence-security to investment and trade.
They will also work to create changes in partnerships in economy, culture, education, health care, and science-technology, raise the efficiency of investment, remove current bottlenecks; promote investment of Vietnamese investors in Laos, especially large ones and develop socio-economic infrastructure development in Laos.
The two sides noted with pleasure comprehensive cooperation outcomes recorded in 2022, adding that they have effectively implemented high-level agreements and those of ministries, sectors and localities.
Cooperation in all areas, from politics, diplomacy, and national defence-security to economy, culture, society and people-to-people exchanges has been strengthened and developed firmly and extensively.
The two countries agreed to focus on the implementation of joint statements and agreements reached by the two Politburos and others, including the one inked at the 45th meeting.
They will also step up political, diplomatic, national defence-security, investment and trade ties, striving to lift the two-way trade by 10-15% in 2023 as compared with the previous year.
The sides consented to expand collaboration in personnel training, invest in transport projects, and join hands in the sustainable use of water resources and other natural resources.
Greater efforts will be made to deal with obstacles to projects funded by Vietnam and invested by Vietnamese firms in Laos, and encourage ministries, agencies and localities to expand relations and support each other./.
Bao Linh
Ministry of Planning and Investment