Southeast Asia Information Port (www.dnyxxg.com) – Lao Deputy Prime Minister Saleumxay Kommasith and visiting Vietnamese Deputy Prime Minister Ho Duc Phuc held talks in Vientiane from November 12th to 13th, reaffirming the strong friendship and cooperation between the two countries and agreeing to accelerate joint ventures on regional connectivity projects such as the Vientiane-Hanoi Expressway, the Lao-Vietnam Railway, and the Vinh Ang Port to boost regional economic growth.
During the talks, both sides discussed accelerating the implementation of the decisions made at the Politburo meetings and the 2025 Lao-Vietnam Cooperation Agreement – initiatives that have already made progress in the political, defense, education, trade, and investment fields. Regarding key projects, both sides emphasized accelerating the construction of the Vientiane-Hanoi Expressway, which is divided into two sections (126 km from Nong Binh Village in Vientiane to Ba Son District, and from Ba Son District to Say Chan Phrom District on the Lao-Vietnamese border), which will become an important regional transportation and trade corridor. They reiterated their commitment to advancing the Lao-Vietnamese Railway construction, connecting Vientiane with Vietnam's Vinh Ang Port, facilitating direct maritime transport for Laos, reducing costs, and consolidating Laos's position as a land transport hub. They also reviewed the progress of Vinh Ang Port Projects 1, 2, and 3, which are crucial for enhancing the freight and logistics capabilities of both countries.
Both sides also discussed investment cooperation on potash mines in Khammouane Province and rubber plantations of the Vietnam Rubber Group, agreeing to seek mutually beneficial solutions through candid dialogue and to maintain close contact among ministries and agencies to monitor the progress of cooperative projects. Furthermore, the talks also covered the upcoming visit of General Secretary of the Communist Party of Vietnam, To Lam, to Laos (to attend the 50th anniversary of Laos' National Day), the next meeting of the Politburo of the two countries, and Laos' hosting of the 48th meeting of the Intergovernmental Committee on Vietnam-Laos Bilateral Cooperation at the end of the year (to review progress and plan future cooperation).
Later that evening, Ho Duc Phuc and his delegation paid a courtesy call on Lao President Thongloun Sisoulith. Thongloun praised the visit as significant for advancing cooperation and preparing for To Lam's visit to Laos, extended greetings to the Vietnamese leadership and expressed condolences for the recent storm and flood damage. The two sides exchanged views on socio-economic development, reaffirmed their commitment to deepening cooperation in the political, defense, security, and diplomatic fields, and emphasized strengthening economic and transportation ties, improving education and training levels, and enhancing youth solidarity.
Ho Duc Phuc and his delegation will also inspect the construction of the Lao-Vietnamese Friendship Park in Vientiane, a park symbolizing the enduring unity and comprehensive cooperation between the two peoples.
