At the event (Photo: VNA) Vientiane (VNA) – VietnameseDeputy Minister of Foreign Affairs Do Hung Viet and his Lao counterpart PhoxayKhaykhamphithoune co-chaired the 8th political consultation between the two Ministries of Foreign Affairs in Vientiane, Laos, on June 28.
Both sides expressed their delight at the positivedevelopment of the great friendship, special solidarity and comprehensivecooperation between the two countries over the past years, including their closecoordination to hold Laos visits by Vietnamese President Vo Van Thuong in April 2023 and PrimeMinister Pham Minh Chinh in January 2023.
They pledged to jointly prepare for high-level visits and importantcooperation mechanisms in the near future while working closely together with ministries,agencies and localities to implement high-level agreements.
On global and regional issues, they shared the view thatamid complicated and uncertain developments in the region and the world, the two sides need to further enhance their tradition of close coordination and mutualsupport at international and regional forums, especially the United Nations, the Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN), and sub-regional cooperation mechanisms, particularly in strategic issuesrelated to peace and stability in the region.
Viet affirmed that Vietnam will continue working closelywith and offering all possible support to Laos to help the country successfullyassume the role of ASEAN Chair in 2024, contributing to maintaining the bloc'sunity and central role.
About the East Sea issue, they pledged to join other ASEAN member nations to maintain the bloc's common stance on the East Sea issue, settle disputes viapeaceful means in line with international law and the 1982 United NationsConvention on the Law of the Sea (UNCLOS), effectively implement theDeclaration on the Conduct of Parties in the East Sea (DOC), and strive to soonreach an effective and efficient Code of Conduct in the East Sea (COC).
Regarding collaboration between the two foreign ministries,they consented to continue with their cooperation agreement for the 2021-2025period, maintain regular and effective consultation mechanisms at theministerial and deputy ministerial levels, enhance the exchange of informationand professional experience between their units, particularly inpolicy research; economic diplomacy; consular, overseas Vietnamese and borderaffairs; and personnel training.
The two sides also agreed to hold the 9th politicalconsultation at the deputy foreign minister level in Vietnam next year./.
