In their official talks, which began after the Vietnamese leader arrived for a state visit, Lam and Sisoulith also called for enhancing the exchange of experiences in macroeconomic management and anti-corruption, and improving international border crossings and transportation between the two countries.
Increasing the effectiveness of the association in the fields of education and training, energy, clean agriculture, science and technology, health care, culture, people-to-people and inter-local exchanges were other remarks made by the dignitaries.
According to reports, the interlocutors particularly highlighted the growing great friendship, special solidarity and comprehensive cooperation between the two countries over the years, and agreed to maintain high-level exchanges and meetings, and strengthen important bilateral cooperation mechanisms.
They pointed out that in light of the changing global and regional situation, it is necessary to increase consultations, exchange of experiences, coordination and mutual support to overcome all challenges and difficulties and build their independent, integrated and autonomous economies.
Lam and Sisoulith also talked about strengthening cooperation in the fields of security and defense to meet new challenges, and coordinating and supporting each other to ensure political stability, security, social order and protection in each country. They noted that the two countries will continue to cooperate in searching for and repatriating the remains of Vietnamese soldiers and volunteer experts who fell in Laos, and will work to improve the monuments in honor of the Indo-China fighting alliance.
At the end of the talks, the presidents witnessed the exchange of cooperation agreements in the fields of public security, justice, aviation, and agreements between companies. Lam also presented 20 cars dedicated to the important events of the Association of Southeast Asian Nations that will be organized in Laos this year.
The Vietnamese president also met with Lao Prime Minister Sonexay Sivadon today, and they agreed to aim to increase bilateral trade by 10 to 15 percent in 2024.
According to official statistics, bilateral trade in 2023 exceeded $1.64 billion, and in the first half of the current calendar year it is estimated to have exceeded $931 million in US currency.
The interlocutors committed to finding innovative measures that would free up resources to enhance economic cooperation and stressed the need to enhance the implementation of key projects in the fields of energy, mining and infrastructure connectivity.
Once his stay in Vientiane ends, the Vietnamese president will travel to Phnom Penh tomorrow for a state visit that ends next Saturday.
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