Made at the invitation of Prime Minister Pham Minh Chinh, it is Sonexay Siphandone’s first official visit to Vietnam in his new capacity. The Lao PM is scheduled to participate in an official welcoming ceremony and hold talks with the Vietnamese PM. 

Vietnam PM Pham Minh Chinh and his Lao counterpart Sonexay Siphandone at a welcome ceremony in Hanoi, Jan. 6, 2024.

They will jointly preside over the 46th meeting. The Lao Government leader will also have meetings with Vietnamese leaders and engage in various activities during his time in the capital.

Sonexay Siphandone’s entourage includes Lao Deputy PM and Minister of National Defence General Chansamone Chanyalath, Deputy PM and Minister of Foreign Affairs Saleumxay Kommasith, Minister of Planning and Investment and Chairman of the Laos-Vietnam Cooperation Committee Khamjane Vongphosy, Minister and Head of the PM's Office Alounxai Sounnalath, Minister of Industry and Commerce M alaithong Kommasith, Minister of Information, Culture, and Tourism Suanesavanh Vignaket, Minister of Energy and Mines Phosay Sayasone, Minister of Education and Sports Phout Simmalavong, and Minister of Finance Santiphab Phomvihane, Minister of Technology and Communications and Chairman of the Laos- Vietnam Friendship Association Boviengkham Vongdara, Governor of the Bank of Laos Bounleua Sinxayvoravong, and Minister of Public Works and Transport Ngampasong Muongmany, among other officials.

Sonexay Siphandone was received by Chinh at a welcome ceremony and then held talks with the Vietnamese PM. They will co-chair the 46th meeting of the Vietnam-Laos Inter-Governmental Committee on Jan. 6 and 7.

The visit, Siphandone's first to Vietnam as Lao PM, happens as the countries have enhanced cooperation in various fields, including in fighting against drug and human trafficking, and repatriating remains of Vietnamese soldiers in Laos.

The countries have signed an MoU for developing commercial infrastructure at their border, and amended trade agreements to further facilitate trade operations between businesses and individuals of both sides.

Vietnam is investing in 241 projects in Laos, with pledges worth US$5.47 billion, making it the third biggest investor in Laos, after China and Thailand.

The two countries' bilateral trade was worth $1.5 billion in the first 11 months of 2023.

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Source: VNA