Vietnam, Laos hold third political consultation in Hanoi hinh anh 1Overview of the third political consultation between foreign ministries of Vietnam and Laos in Hanoi on August 24 (Photo: VNA)

Hanoi (VNA)Deputy Foreign Minister Le Hoai Trung and his Lao counterpart Khamphau Ernthavan co-chaired the third political consultation between the two foreign ministries in Hanoi on August 24.

At the annual event, the two sides briefed each other on the current situation of their respective countries, while reviewing the outcomes of major cooperation areas as well as the affiliation of the two ministries during the 2014-2020 period.

Both deputy FMs showed their pleasure at the recent progress in the traditional friendship, special solidarity, and comprehensive cooperation between Vietnam and Laos, especially the increasing political trust and fruitful collaboration in security, defence, trade, investment, and education and training.

The success of the Vietnam-Laos Friendship and Solidarity Year 2017 contributed to cementing ties between the two nations, creating a firm foundation for the younger generations to continue promoting the Vietnam-Laos special relations, they said.

The consultation also discussed developments in the region and the world, with the two sides agreeing to continue working closely at regional and international forums, especially within the ASEAN and other sub-regional cooperation mechanisms in Southeast Asia.

They also sought measures and orientations to enhance the efficiency of implementing high-level agreements, thus continuing to deepen bilateral collaboration in all fields.

They stressed the need for the two ministries to promote their advisory and connection roles, together with other ministries and localities, towards removing obstacles facing investment projects and ensuring their ongoing quality and progress.

Both sides also concurred to strengthen the close, practical, and effective affiliation between the two ministries, as well as smaller agencies, while coordinating closely to prepare for the annual consultations between the two foreign ministers in December this year in Laos.

Lao Deputy FM Khamphau Ernthavan congratulated Vietnam on the success of the 30th Vietnam Diplomatic Conference, lauding the achievements of Vietnam in foreign relations over the past few years which she held had helped Vietnam raise its position and role in the region and across the world.

Earlier, on August 23, three seminars were held for the functional bodies of the two foreign ministries to discuss the external policies of each country, measures to improve cooperation in personnel organisation and training, as well as regional and global issues of shared concern. –VNA 
VNA