Vietnamese Party General Secretary To Lam had a meeting with Lao Prime Minister Sonexay Siphandone in Vientiane, on December 1, as part of his ongoing State visit to the neighboring country, according to a report from the Government News.

During the meeting, Lao Prime Minister Sonexay Siphandone congratulated the Vietnamese leader for being honored with the Lao National Gold Order, a noble reward from the Lao Party and State in recognition of his contribution to the bilateral relations.

Mr. Siphandone vowed to direct Lao ministries, sectors, localities, and relevant agencies to create more favorable conditions for Vietnamese enterprises operating in Laos.

Party General Secretary To Lam, for his part, reiterated that Vietnam always gives the top priority to enhancing the great friendship, special solidarity, and comprehensive cooperation with Laos.

The Vietnamese leader suggested that the two sides continue reinforcing political trust, maintain high-level mutual visits and contacts, and ensure the successful organization of the 48th Viet Nam–Laos Intergovernmental Committee meeting.

He emphasized the need to step up collaboration in key areas including strategic connectivity in development visions, spatial and infrastructure integration, economic corridors, logistics, energy, and green transition.

The countries should strengthen transport and energy linkages, and raise bilateral trade to $5 billion, with a longer-term target of $10 billion, General Secretary To Lam said, calling for stronger collaboration to maintain political and social stability, and effective border management.

Source: VnEconomy