Deputy Prime Minister and Foreign Minister Pham Gia Khiem and his Lao counterpart Thoonglun Sisulith have affirmed continued efforts to tighten bilateral co-operation at regional and international forums.

At a reception given to visiting Lao Deputy Prime Minister and Foreign Minister Thoonglun Sisulith in Hanoi on June 12, the two deputy PMs noted with joy the close bilateral ties within the co-operation framework of the Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN), the Mekong Sub-region, the Ayeyawady – Chao Phraya – Mekong Economic Co-operation Strategy (ACMECS) and the Cambodia – Laos –Myanmar – Vietnam (CLMV) co-operation.

Both host and guest spoke highly of the results of the first ministerial meeting of the Vietnam-Laos-Cambodia joint co-ordination committee on development triangle.

The Lao Deputy PM took the occasion to thank Vietnam for its support to Laos’ bidding to join the Asia-Pacific Economic Co-operation forum (APEC).

The two deputy PMs also informed each other of their respective countries’ preparations for the 30th anniversary of the Vietnam-Laos Friendship and Co-operation Treaty and the 45th founding anniversary of the bilateral diplomatic relations and committed to join each other in organizing activities to mark these events.

They expressed their delight at the close and effective co-operation between the two foreign ministries. (VNA)