Hanoi (VNA) – Prime MinisterNguyen Xuan Phuc on March 26 held separate phone talks with his Lao andCambodian counterparts, during which the leaders discussed coordination betweenVietnam and the two countries in the fight against the COVID-19 pandemic.

During his talks with Lao PM ThonglounSisoulith, PM Phuc lauded the Lao Government’s efforts in preventing thedisease, stressing that Vietnam is willing to support and stand side by sidewith the country in the combat.

He proposed the Lao PM and Governmentcreate favourable conditions for the Vietnamese community in the country tostabilise their lives and access essential conditions to prevent the epidemic.

The Vietnamese PM also called for the Laoside’s close coordination in maintaining social and security stability,especially in border provinces.

For his part, PM Thongloun spoke highlyof Vietnam’s efforts and successes in containing COVID-19 and expressed his hopethat the two countries will enhance information sharing, coordination andmutual support in this field.

The two leaders agreed on the need tomaintain bilateral cooperation in the present circumstance and pay due attentionto the effective implementation of agreements reached at the 42nd meeting of the Inter-Governmental Committee early this year.

The two sides also consented tofacilitate the flows of goods between the two countries, and work harder tomaintain the growth of bilateral trade and investment by flexible measures.

Vietnam and Laos would work together toovercome difficulties caused by the economic downturn resulting from theepidemic, the two leaders committed.

While talking with Cambodian PM SamdechTecho Hun Sen, PM Phuc suggested the two sides facilitate citizen protectionand assistance by representative agencies of each country.

He also urged Vietnamese and Cambodianministries, agencies and localities to join hands in the fight against theCOVID-19 epidemic, maintain trade activities and make it easier for thetransportation of goods along their common border.

PM Phuc said Vietnam stands ready tocoordinate with the Cambodian side to repatriate Cambodian citizens who havebeen quarantined in Vietnam for COVID-19 if they want.

PM Hun Sen highly valued Vietnam’smeasures in preventing and controlling the pandemic and agreed to order Cambodianministries, agencies and localities to support the Vietnamese community in thecountry.

During the talks, PM Phuc stressed that thecoordination and support between the three countries in the wake of theCOVID-19 outbreak is necessary and significant.

Vietnam is willing to send medicalexperts to the two countries if requested, he said, calling for strongercoordination between the three countries in the Association of Southeast AsianNations (ASEAN)./.