Vietnamese Deputy Prime Minister and Foreign Minister Bui Thanh Son and Lao Foreign Minister Thongsavanh Phomvihane. Photo: VOV

Both sides expressed their pleasure that the Vietnam-Laos cooperation continues to flourish with political cooperation becoming closer and more trustworthy and substantive. Defense and security cooperation continues to be strengthened and is an important pillar of bilateral relations.

Economic, trade and investment cooperation is enhanced. Bilateral trade turnover totaled over 1.7 billion USD in 10 months of this year, up 28.26% over the same period last year.

Cooperation in culture, education, science and technology, and  human resource development are fruitful. Many people-to-people exchange activities have been carried out vibrantly, enhancing the understanding of the two countries' young generations about the great relationship, special solidarity and comprehensive cooperation between Vietnam and Laos.

On that basis, the two sides agreed to continue closely coordinating to effectively implement the Plan to implement the 4th quarterly high-level agreements this year and next year, and prepare well for the 47th session of the Intergovernmental Committee.

They stressed the need to further deepen the defense and security pillar and exert greater efforts to create breakthroughs in economic, trade and investment cooperation.

The two sides also shared views on global and regional issues of mutual concern, and were delighted with the regular coordination and mutual support between the two countries at multilateral forums, especially United Nations agencies as well as on the East Sea issue and the Mekong cooperation framework.

At the end of the meeting, the two sides agreed to organize the 12th political consultation in Vietnam.