Foreign Minister Pham Binh Minh paid a working visit to Laos on Friday and Saturday at the invitation of Lao Deputy Prime Minister and Foreign Minister Thongloun Sisoulith.
While in Laos, Minh paid a courtesy visit to Vice President Bounnhang Volachit and Prime Minister Thongsing Thammavong. He also held talks with Deputy Prime Minister and Foreign Minister Thongloun Sisoulith.
At the meetings, the two sides exchanged measures to consolidate and intensify bilateral ties and discussed issues of mutual concern.
The two sides expressed their pleasure at the fine development in relations in all fields between the two countries, especially in economies and investment, saying that this has actively contributed to the development of each country.
They agreed to continue organising exchanges between the two foreign ministries, and work closely in the lead-up to events such as the 50th anniversary of the establishment of Viet Nam-Laos diplomatic ties and the 35th anniversary of the signing of the Viet Nam-Laos Friendship Treaty next year.
Minh, on behalf of the Vietnamese Government, handed over US$200,000 to the Lao Government to help victims of a recent typhoon. — VNS