Hanoi (VNA) – Prime Minister Pham Minh Chinh had separate phone talks with his Lao and Cambodian counterparts, extending his best wishes to them andthe two peoples on the occasion of Laos’ Bun Pi May and Cambodia’s Chol ChnamThmay new year festivals.

He also conveyed greetings from other Vietnamese leaders to their Lao and Cambodian counterparts.

In his talks with Lao PM Phankham Viphavanh, Chinhcongratulated the Lao Government and people on the important achievements they have recorded in implementing the Resolution of the Lao Revolutionary People's Party(LPRP)’s 11th Congress and the ninth 5-year socio-economic development plan. Heexpressed his belief that under the sound leadership of the LPRP, the Laopeople will reap more fruits and continue to build a more and more prosperousnation which has a higher position and role in the international arena.

The two Government leaders said they are delighted at thefirm and stable development of the bilateral relations over the past times,emphasising that in the context of complicated developments in the world andthe region, the two sides need to continue making joint efforts to nurture and consolidatetheir great friendship, special solidarity and comprehensive cooperation, andhelp each other in building an independent and self-reliant economy.

They agreed to maintain the regular exchange of delegations;coordinate in implementing high-level agreements and the results of the 44thmeeting of the Vietnam - Laos Intergovernmental Committee, held in Hanoi inJanuary; continue improving the effectiveness of cooperation in defence,security, trade, investment, transport connectivity, energy, education andtraining, health care and culture and collaboration between localities; andwork together towards the successful organisation of commemorative activitieswithin the framework of the "Year of Solidarity and Friendship".

The two PMs also agreed to continue working closely andsupporting each other at international, regional and sub-regional forums, thus contributingto promoting peace, stability and cooperation in the ASEAN Community and in theregion and in the world.

Talking over the phone with Cambodian PM Hun Sen, Chinh spoke highly of the great achievements gained by Cambodia over the past years, saying he believe that under the clear-sighted leadership of the PM, the country will thrivefurther and well assume the role as the ASEAN Chair this year.

The leaders expressed his satisfaction at the positivedevelopment of the bilateral cooperation. Despite impacts of the COVID-19pandemic, two-way trade surpassed 9 billion USD last year, up 80 percentagainst 2020, and Vietnam remains ASEAN’s biggest investor in Cambodia, theynoted.

Both emphasised the strategic importance of maintaining and consolidatingthe friendly neighbourliness and comprehensive cooperation between Vietnam andCambodia for each country's security and development in the current situation,especially in the "Vietnam - Cambodia Year of Friendship 2022" which marksthe 55th anniversary of the establishment of diplomatic relations between thetwo countries. They agreed to continue strengthening political trust andcoordination in coping with challenges of the pandemic, taking advantage ofopportunities in the "new normal" to cooperate in promoting socio-economicrecovery, continuing to coordinate in building a border of peace and friendshipbetween the two countries.

PM Chinh once again affirmed that Vietnam supports Cambodiato successfully assume the role of the ASEAN Chair in 2022./.