At the meeting, President Vo Van Thuong congratulated the achievements that the Lao Party, State and people have made in recent times; he believed that under the wise leadership of the Lao People's Revolutionary Party and the resolute direction of the Lao Government, the Lao people will overcome all difficulties and challenges, successfully implementing the resolution of the 11th National Party Congress and the 9th Five-Year Socio-Economic Development Plan.

The President congratulated and highly appreciated the successful Political Consultation at the Foreign Ministers level of the two countries, contributing practically to strengthening the great friendship, special solidarity and comprehensive cooperation between Vietnam and Laos.

Deputy Prime Minister and Foreign Minister Saleumxay Kommasith thanked President Vo Van Thuong for taking the time to receive the delegation and respectfully conveyed the greetings of the senior leaders of the Lao Party and State to the senior leaders of the Vietnamese Party and State; informed the President of the results of the 10th Ministerial-level Political Consultation and expressed his gratitude to the Party, State and people of Vietnam for always supporting and standing shoulder to shoulder with the Party, State and people of all Lao ethnic groups, demonstrating the special affection and valuable assistance of the Party, State and people of Vietnam for Laos.

The two sides expressed their delight at the important achievements in cooperation in recent times, especially the close coordination between the two countries, increased delegation exchanges, high-level contacts and important bilateral cooperation mechanisms; emphasized that the great friendship, special solidarity and comprehensive cooperation between Vietnam and Laos is unique in the world; suggested that the two sides continue to nurture and educate future generations to continue promoting the precious sentiments of the Parties and peoples of the two countries, considering this a priceless asset of the two peoples who have always stood side by side, sharing the ups and downs throughout the struggle for national independence and development.

President Vo Van Thuong thanked the Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Foreign Affairs for coordinating with Lao authorities to help and create favorable conditions for overseas Vietnamese, including the Vietnamese community and Vietnamese businesses doing business and living in Laos, to actively contribute to building an increasingly prosperous Laos and to act as a bridge to strengthen and foster the special Vietnam-Laos relationship.

Discussing international and regional issues of mutual concern, the two sides agreed that in the context of the current rapid and complicated developments in the world and region, the two sides need to increase information sharing, exchange, coordination and close cooperation in regional and international forums. President Vo Van Thuong affirmed that in the spirit of comradeship, Vietnam will wholeheartedly support Laos to successfully assume its important international responsibilities in the coming time, including the role of ASEAN Chair in 2024.

● On the same afternoon, at the Government Headquarters, Prime Minister Pham Minh Chinh received Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Foreign Affairs of Laos Saleumxay Kommasith.

At the reception, Prime Minister Pham Minh Chinh and the Lao Deputy Prime Minister and Foreign Minister highly appreciated the strong development of cooperation in all fields between the two countries. The political relationship is increasingly close and trustworthy. Other key areas of cooperation such as defense, security, economy, culture, education and training and cooperation between localities of Vietnam and Laos have all been promoted and have new developments.

Prime Minister Pham Minh Chinh requested relevant ministries and sectors of the two countries to urgently review cooperation areas; coordinate to resolve difficulties in key cooperation projects; and strive to bring bilateral cooperation to a new page, developing more strongly and effectively.

The head of the Vietnamese Government also emphasized that the two sides need to continue to closely coordinate to effectively implement high-level delegation exchanges and important cooperation mechanisms between the two countries, including the 46th Meeting of the Vietnam-Laos Intergovernmental Committee; closely coordinate and support each other at multilateral forums; and affirm that Vietnam will continue to provide maximum support within its capacity for Laos to successfully assume the responsibility of ASEAN Chair in 2024.

Lao Deputy Prime Minister and Foreign Minister Saleumxay Kommasith fully agreed with the contents of the discussion of Prime Minister Pham Minh Chinh; informed Prime Minister Pham Minh Chinh of the results of the 10th Foreign Ministers' Political Consultation and affirmed that the two countries will continue to cooperate and coordinate closely on regional and international issues.