Ties between Vietnam and Laos are an invaluable and common asset, representing an exemplary, loyal, and pure relationship rarely seen in international relations, State President Vo Van Thuong has said.

In a meeting with his Lao counterpart President Thongloun Sisoulith on the sidelines of the third Belt and Road Forum for International Cooperation (BRF) in Beijing, China, on October 19, President Thuong noted that Vietnam always places importance on its relationship with Lao and considers the country a priority in its foreign policy.

President Sisoulith said Laos treasures its relations with Vietnam and has always made efforts to promote the great friendship, special solidarity, and comprehensive cooperation between the two countries in a more sustainable and deeper way.

During the talks, the two leaders agreed to continue promoting their close political relations, joining hands to maintain a peaceful and stable environment for development against complex global events, and focusing on the effective implementation of high-level agreements, deals, and cooperative plans between the two Parties and States.

The two countries will strive to untie obstacles in certain economic, trade, and investment projects, and seek to enhance cooperation in the fields of science, innovation, the digital economy, e-commerce, and digital transformation between State management bodies and businesses.

Also during their talks, President Thuong and President Sisoulith affirmed the importance of enhancing cooperation and connectivity between Vietnam, Laos, and Cambodia, especially in economy-trade, infrastructure, tourism, and cultural exchanges.

They agreed to promote coordination to ensure that Laos will successfully accomplish its role as the ASEAN Chair in 2024, helping promote the central role of ASEAN and bring practical benefits to the ASEAN people.