State President Nguyen Xuan Phuc meets Lao Prime Minister Phankham Viphavanh in Hanoi on January 8, 2022. Photo: VNA

He suggested the two sides should continue promoting their strong political ties and unleashing their potential and advantages in implementing specific cooperation plans, projects and works. Both leaders said they are pleased to see the sustainable growth of the comprehensive partnership and great friendship between the two countries. They agreed to work together to solve problems and challenges facing their businesses to boost investors’ confidence, accelerate economic links and make the most of free trade agreements to which they are signatories. They also wanted the two countries to expand connections in both hard and soft infrastructure, energy, telecommunications, and digital economy. They highly valued coordination and support received from each other at multilateral forums, particularly within the framework of the UN, ASEAN and sub-regional cooperation. They agreed to together with other ASEAN member states to back Cambodia in its ASEAN Chairmanship for 2022 and maintain the bloc’s solidarity and centrality.