Vietnam and Laos issued a joint statement during the official friendly visit to Vietnam by General Secretary of the Lao People’s Revolutionary Party (LPRP) and President of Laos Bounnhang Vorachith from December 19-21.

General Secretary of the Lao People’s Revolutionary Party (LPRP) and President of Laos Bounnhang Vorachith and Vietnamese leaders at the banquet in honour of the Lao leader

The statement affirmed the visit is a historical milestone in bilateral ties, marking the end of the Vietnam-Laos, Laos-Vietnam Friendship and Solidarity Year 2017. 

During meetings between the Lao leader and Vietnamese leaders, the two sides pledged to inherit the tradition of solidarity between the two countries and promote their relations.

Both sides briefed each other on the situation of each Party and country, agreeing to continue coordinating to implement agreements reached by high-ranking leaders of the two countries.

They agreed to strengthen political relations, maintain regular high-level meetings, improve the effectiveness of existing cooperation mechanisms, expand coordination  among ministries, sectors and localities and work together to educate youngsters on the traditional ties between Vietnam and Laos.

The two sides affirmed the significance of boosting links in economy, investment, trade, culture, education-training, health care and science-technology.

The leaders of Vietnam and Laos also decided to strengthen ties in defence and security, considering it an important pillar in bilateral relations with the aim of ensuring stability, security, order and safety in each country.

Additionally, the two sides will share information, coordinate effectively and support each other at international and regional forums.

They underscored the significance of maintaining peace, stability, security and safety in the East Sea and settling maritime disputes through peaceful measures in line with international law, including the UN Convention on the Law of the Sea 1982 (UNCLOS). 

The two nations, together with relevant parties, will fully implement the Declaration on the Conduct of Parties in the East Sea (DOC) and soon reach a Code of Conduct in the East Sea (COC), thus contributing to maintaining peace, stability, cooperation and development in the region and the world.-VNA