Vietnamese, Cambodian, Lao PMs Meet For Working Breakfast At ASEAN Summit

KUALA LUMPUR, May 26 (Bernama-VNA) – Vietnamese Prime Minister Pham Minh Chinh on Monday had a working breakfast with his Cambodian counterpart, Hun Manet, and his Lao counterpart, Sonexay Siphandone, on the sidelines of the 46th ASEAN Summit.

According to the Vietnam News Agency (VNA), the leaders exchanged views on areas of joint cooperation, as well as regional and international issues of shared concern.

They noted that all three countries are making efforts to overcome security, political, and socio-economic challenges arising from global and regional developments.

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The prime ministers noted that bilateral and trilateral relations have seen substantial qualitative progress in recent times, adding that the three governments have promptly coordinated to implement practical cooperation plans following the meeting of the three party chiefs and other high-level engagements.

They held that various bilateral and trilateral cooperation mechanisms have proven effective, making tangible contributions to consolidating and strengthening their collaboration.

The three prime ministers affirmed that mutual trust and strategic sharing form the cornerstone of long-term, sustainable cooperation across various fields, with an emphasis placed on trilateral connectivity in such key sectors as the economy, trade, finance, education, culture, and people-to-people exchanges.

The three sides agreed to step up cooperation in developing border areas, focusing on linking the infrastructure of transport, energy, trade, digital transformation, and human resources.

They said it is necessary to optimise the efficiency of land border gates to facilitate cross-border trade and support socio-economic growth in border provinces.

The leaders also concurred to collaborate in exploring the establishment of cross-border economic zones and to review and revise existing agreements for a more enabling legal framework, in order to raise Vietnam’s bilateral trade turnover with Laos to US$5 billion and with Cambodia to US$20 billion.

They pledged to promote the “three countries, one destination” tourism initiative, and to work with Thailand in implementing regional transport connectivity projects involving all four countries.

The three prime ministers said that the security of one country is in the interest of the others.

They reiterated their commitment to safeguarding political stability, public security, and social safety within each nation, as well as to maintaining order along shared borders. Efforts will also be strengthened to combat cross-border crime and illegal entry, while preserving borders of peace, friendship, stability, and development.

They expressed confidence that meetings among the three countries’ defence, home affairs/public security, and foreign ministers will help translate high-level agreements and directives into concrete action.

The leaders emphasised that preserving and promoting the long-standing tradition of solidarity and mutual support among the three nations is more essential than ever, which serves as a key factor in fostering closer cooperation and a strong tripartite relationship.

They agreed to continue maintaining regular exchanges, visits, and meetings via various channels and at all levels.

They underscored the need to innovate communication methods to better showcase the achievements of trilateral cooperation and highlight the enduring historical value of their friendship, particularly the sacrifices made by each country for one another. They also called for greater links among young leaders, parliamentarians, youth, and the people of all three countries.

Building on this foundation, the three prime ministers agreed to issue strong directives to relevant ministries, sectors, and localities to effectively implement existing agreements and cooperation programmes, both bilaterally and trilaterally.

They also committed to exploring new, efficient cooperation mechanisms that can strengthen connectivity and deliver tangible results.

They concurred to enhance collaboration in education, training, tourism, culture, and science and technology. Vietnam affirmed its readiness to increase the number of high-quality scholarships for students from Laos and Cambodia.

The three prime ministers also agreed to continue consulting one another on regional and international issues of mutual concern, including the situation in Myanmar, as well as matters related to bilateral and trilateral relations. They also pledged to coordinate closely in preparing for major national events in each country in the near future.

-- BERNAMA-VNA