(VOVworld) – The opening of the international border gate La Lay is of great importance, strongly representing the special traditional friendship and solidarity between Vietnam and Laos as well as the two countries’ comprehensive strategic cooperation.  Deputy Prime Minister and Foreign Minister Pham Binh Minh was speaking at the opening ceremony of the border gate on the Viet Nam – Laos borderline on Wednesday, which also saw the attendance of Laotian Deputy Prime Minister and Foreign Minister Thongloun Sisoulith. Deputy PM Minh said: "This International Border Gate will help boost the development of all border gates between the two countries while opening up opportunities for cooperation in trade, investment, and tourism among the provinces of central Vietnam and those of south-central Laos and southeastern Thailand. This gate also contributes to attracting international investment and that of both countries into this region, paving ways for the completion of the two countries’ planning of border gates, supporting the development of the East-West Economic Corridor."

Earlier, Deputy PM Pham Binh Minh and his Laotian counterpart held talks on Tuesday on bilateral ties and international issues of common concern. They hailed bilateral efforts at completing bilateral border demarcation, in restoring and upgrading existing border gates, as well as establishing new ones. The two leaders expressed concerns over the complicated developments in the East Sea. They applauded the Declaration of ASEAN foreign ministers regarding the East Sea issue in May, calling for the enhancement of ASEAN solidarity for a stronger common voice in regional security and developments in accordance with international law.