In Laos, in the framework of the 49th ASEAN Ministerial Meeting (AMM-49) and related meetings in Vientiane from July 23-26, Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Foreign Affairs Pham Binh Minh met with Lao Foreign Minister Saleumxay Kommasith and Brunei Minister of Foreign Affairs and Trade Lim Jock Seng.
Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Foreign Affairs Pham Binh Minh met with Lao Foreign Minister Saleumxay Kommasith
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They also called for active and effective implementation of the agreements reached during the visits of the respective senior leaders to each other’s countries, and the 38th meeting of the Inter-Government Committee on Vietnam – Laos bilateral cooperation.
For his part, Deputy PM Pham Binh Minh, who is also Foreign Minister, briefed the hosts on the socio-economic development of Vietnam, particularly the progress of the first session of the 14th NA. Vietnam’s ministries and localities have actively implemented the agreements reached during the two nations’ high-level contacts, including the visits to Vietnam made by Lao PM Thongloun Sisoulith in May and Vice President Phankham Viphavan in July, the Deputy PM said.
Vietnam’s leaders highly valued the recent visits which marked the first overseas trips of the Lao PM and Vice President since they took office, Minh said, adding that it reflected the special significance of the Vietnam-Laos traditional friendship.
The two nations are actively preparing for the celebration of the 55th anniversary of the Vietnam – Laos diplomatic ties and the 40th anniversary of the signing of the Vietnam – Laos Treaty of Friendship and Cooperation in 2017, Minh said. They have also enhanced the cooperative ties at multilateral forums, particularly in the framework of ASEAN cooperation, as well as at regional and international forums, Minh reiterated.
The Deputy PM and Lao Foreign Minister Saleumxay Kommasith agreed at their meeting to push forward with the implementation of agreements reached during visits by the two countries’ leaders, as well as the outcomes of the 38th meeting of the Inter-Government Committee on Bilateral Cooperation. They promised to coordinate activities to celebrate the 55 th anniversary of the bilateral diplomatic ties and the 40 th anniversary of the signing of the Vietnam-Laos Treaty of Amity and Cooperation this year.
Deputy PM Minh spoke highly of Laos’ efforts as ASEAN Chair this year, including the thorough preparations for the AMM-49 and related meetings. Vietnam will actively partner with Laos and other ASEAN member states to successfully build the ASEAN Community, particularly in realising the ASEAN Vision 2025, upholding ASEAN solidarity and increasing efforts to enhance ASEAN’s central role in maintaining peace, stability, cooperation and development in the region, he said.
The Lao Minister, for his part, thanked Vietnam for assisting Laos in working as the Chair of ASEAN this year and vowed to closely work with Vietnam to ensure the bloc’s common success.
** At the meeting with Brunei Minister of Foreign Affairs and Trade Lim Jock Seng, Deputy PM Minh said that Vietnam will work closely with Brunei to ensure the success of the upcoming Brunei visit by President Tran Dai Quang.
Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Foreign Affairs Pham Binh Minh met with Brunei Minister of Foreign Affairs and Trade Lim Jock Seng
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Discussing measures to promote economic, trade and investment ties, the two sides looked toward the early conclusion of negotiations and signing of the Vietnam-Brunei agreement on investment encouragement and protection while providing all possible support for the two countries’ businesses.
The Brunei side pledged to consider Vietnam’s proposal on facilitating Vietnamese businesses
access to the Brunei market and enhancing energy and oil and gas cooperation by making it easier for PetroVietnam to supply oil and gas services in Brunei or cooperate with Brunei partners to operate in a third country.
The two sides committed to convening the Vietnam-Brunei Joint Committee on Bilateral Cooperation’s meeting this year in order to promptly carry out the outcomes of the visit, thus contributing to further deepening bilateral ties.
The two sides also agreed to work together closely with the ASEAN countries to successfully build the ASEAN Community, ASEAN solidarity and promote the central role of ASEAN in maintaining peace, stability, cooperation and development in the region.
