They agreed to maintain regular high-level meetings, contacts and exchanges on all channels, effectively carry out cooperation agreements and mechanisms, step up information sharing between ministries and sectors, strengthen connectivity of the three economies in terms of both hard and soft infrastructure, and support each other to build an independent and self-reliant economy with extensive and effective international integration.
The leaders reached consensus on strengthening security and defence cooperation; closely coordinating in protecting border security and fighting cross-border crimes such as drug trafficking, money laundering, and human trafficking; joining hands to continue building borderlines of peace, stability and development. They also agreed to have more policies and measures to further facilitate and encourage trade and investment, with attention to border trade; open more flights connecting the three countries; and actively implement the action plan to connect the three economies to 2030.
They affirmed the importance of enhancing understanding and solidarity among the young generation; and agreed to promote exchanges and training of youths and young leaders to nurture the future of three-country relations.
The three PMs also discussed regional issues of common concern; and agreed to coordinate to maintain ASEAN’s solidarity, stance and centrality in regional issues. The Lao leader affirmed that the focus of ASEAN 2024 is to strengthen connectivity and resilience of ASEAN, and took the occasion to thank Cambodia and Vietnam for their active cooperation. PM Chinh affirmed that Vietnam supports and will provide maximum assistance to help Laos successfully undertake the task of the ASEAN Chairmanship next year.
* At the meeting with Singapore’s Prime Minister Lee Hsien Loong, PM Chinh shared his counterpart’s delight at a bustling year with activities to celebrate the 50th anniversary of diplomatic relations and 10-year strategic partnership between the two countries, especially with high-level delegation exchange.
PM Lee spoke highly of Vietnam’s external relations and economic management, showing through the impressive economic outcomes in many fields, creating a firm foundation for development in following years.
The two sides agreed to promote the effective implementation of high-level agreements, facilitating cooperation in trade, investment, clean energy, education-training, and people-to-people exchange. They concurred to discuss contents regarding the elevation of the bilateral ties to a comprehensive strategic partnership at an appropriate time.
The two PMs also concurred to specify the Partnership in Green Economy-Digital Economy, while expanding the network of Vietnam-Singapore Industrial Parks (VSIPs) to more localities of Vietnam, and encouraging the transformation of traditional VSIP to Vietnam-Singapore Energy Project (VSEP) that are smarter and greener with lower carbon emissions.
* On December 16, Prime Minister Pham Minh Chinh held talks with Japanese Prime Minister Kishida Fumio in Tokyo.
| 2023. (Photo: Duong Giang/VNA) |
At the talks, the 6th between the two PMs in the past two years and the 2nd this year, the leaders agreed to closely coordinate to facilitate the implementation of the Joint Statement on upgrading Vietnam-Japan relations to a "Comprehensive Strategic Partnership for peace and prosperity in Asia and the world," issued during President Vo Van Thuong’s visit to Japan last month.
Both PMs praised encouraging progress in key economic cooperation projects. Japan’s official development assistance (ODA) to Vietnam this year has exceeded 100 billion yen (over 700 million USD) for the first time since 2017.
PM Chinh asked Japan to continue providing new-generation ODA for Vietnam’s strategic projects on transport structure, such as the high-speed North-South railway, urban railways, and new industrial clusters. He also sought support for Vietnamese businesses to participate in Japan’s global supply chain in the fields of automobile manufacturing, electronics, medical equipment.
PM Kishida Fumio affirmed that Japan will continue to help Vietnam boost industrialization and modernization, build an independent and self-reliant economy, and deepen international integration.
He agreed to expand cooperation with Vietnam in green transition, climate change response, especially in energy transition and emission reduction through the Asia Zero Emission Community (AZEC) established by Japan.
The leaders also witnessed the signing of several ODA cooperation documents.
Q.Hoa t.h / VNA, VOV
