PM Pham Minh Chinh leaves Hanoi for working visit to Laos
WVR/VNA - On January 9 morning, Prime Minister Pham Minh Chinh and a high-ranking Vietnamese delegation left Hanoi to visit Laos and co-chair the 47th meeting of the Vietnam-Laos Inter-Governmental Committee.
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| PM Pham Minh Chinh leaves Hanoi for working visit to Laos: Prime Minister Pham Minh Chinh leaves for a working trip to Laos on January 9 morning, 2025. (Photo: VNA) |
The two-day trip is made at an invitation of Lao Prime Minister Sonexay Siphandone.
Prime Minister Chinh is accompanied by Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Foreign Affairs Bui Thanh Son; Minister of Planning and Investment, Chairman of the Vietnam - Laos Cooperation Committee Nguyen Chi Dung; Minister, Head of the Government Office Tran Van Son; Minister of Industry and Trade Nguyen Hong Dien; Minister of Education and Training Nguyen Kim Son; and Minister of Health Dao Hong Lan, among others.
This is the first overseas trip by a key Vietnamese leader in 2025 and the first such visit that Laos will host this year, underscoring the special solidarity and comprehensive cooperation between the two neighbouring countries.
The visit reaffirms the top priority Vietnam gives to the enhancement of relations with Laos in the new context, deepening the great friendship, special solidarity, and comprehensive cooperation between the two countries, Vietnamese Ambassador to Laos Nguyen Minh Tam stated.
Economic, trade, and investment cooperation between Vietnam and Laos has shown positive developments. Bilateral trade was estimated to reach 2 billion USD in 2024, up approximately 28% compared to 2023. Vietnam currently has 241 active investment projects in Laos, with a total registered capital of around 5.5 billion USD, maintaining its position as the third-largest investor in Laos after China and Thailand.
The two sides have closely coordinated in the implementation of Vietnam's ODA projects for Laos. Collaboration in culture, education, and training continues to be promoted. Both countries are strengthening mutual support at regional and international forums, especially within ASEAN, the United Nations, and cooperation in Mekong sub-regional mechanisms.
Prime Minister Chinh’s visit is expected to reaffirm Vietnam's consistent policy of prioritising its great friendship, special solidarity, and comprehensive cooperation with Laos, aiming to further strengthen the trust and bond between the two countries' high-ranking leaders; enhance the fine cooperation between the two governments; and implement the foreign relations tasks outlined at the 13th National Party Congress.
