Vientiane (VNA) – Vietnam has proactively and effectively supported Laos' efforts as the country is undertaking the ASEAN Chairmanship in 2024, Vietnamese Ambassador to Laos ꦜNguyen Minh Tam ha♍s said.

In an interview granted to the Vietnam News Agency on the occasion of Prime Minister Pham Minh Chinh's attendance at the 44th and 45th ASEAN Summits and related meetings in Vientiane, Laos, from October 8-11, the diplomat said as a close friend, comrade and brother and based on the special solidarity and traditional cooperation and mutual support between the two countries at multilateral forums, Vietnam has actively and effectively supported Laos under various forms, both materially and in sharing experiences. Vietnam’s support has been shown through specific commitments and concrete actions of Vietnam, Tam said. Early this year, the Vietnamese Government presented 1 million USD to Laos to support the country in organising meetings within the framework of the ASEAN year. In March, the Ministry of Public Security of Vietnam provided its Lao counterpart with 20 automobiles, 30 patrol motorcycles, and various electronic equipment serving security and safety efforts for the meetings. Notably, during a state visit to Laos in July, President To Lam presented 20 VinFast VF9 electric cars - the top-notch SUV model, to Laos to serve delegations attending the upcoming 44th and 45th ASEAN Summits and related meetings. In addition, ministries and sectors of the two countries provided material support and organised experience-sharing activities in different fields to help Laos successfully fulfil its responsibility during its ASEAN Chairmanship in 2024, he said. During visits and meetings between leaders of the two countries at all levels, Vietnam pledged maximum support for Laos to help it successfully fulfil this responsibility, including assistance in organising key events, contributing to strategic regional issues, and close coordination with Laos to promote a strategic plan of the ASEAN Community Vision 2025. Besides, Vietnam has also supported Laos in strengthening economic and education, connectivity, and bilateral cooperation projects. This further demonstrates effective collaboration between the two countries, contributing to the stability and sustainable development in ASEAN. The Vietnamese diplomat said this partnership not only reflects the great friendship, special solidarity, and comprehensive cooperation between the two countries but also helps raise their position in the international community, thus contributing to strengthening ASEAN's central role in addressing regional challenges and ensuring solidarity and sustainable development in the bloc. Following the success of the 57th ASEAN Foreign Ministers' Meeting (AMM-57) and related meetings held last July, Laos is proactively making the most thorough preparations to welcome heads of state and government leaders from ASEAN member countries, and the group’s partner countries to attend the 44th and 45th ASEAN Summits and related meetings. The Lao Ministry of Foreign Affairs has announced at a recent press conference that there will be about 20 main activities, with the participation of leaders from ASEAN countries and partner countries, as well as representatives from international and regional organisations, he said. The ambassdor expressed his belief that with its experiences in holding the ASEAN Chairmanship twice (in 2004 and 2016) and successfully organising meetings within the framework of ASEAN Year 2024 since the beginning of this year, along with Laos's thorough preparations and readiness in all aspects, as well as the active and effective support from countries and international organisations, Laos will successfully host the upcoming 44th and 45th ASEAN Summits and related meetings. Regarding Laos's efforts throughout the ASEAN Year 2024 to accomplish the proposed agenda, particularly in light of the milestone of realising the ASEAN Community Vision 2025, Tam said that Laos assumes the ASEAN Chairmanship at a crucial time in the process of building the Community, adding that this year has witnessed remarkable efforts by Laos in its role as the ASEAN Chair The adoption of the Joint Communiqué of the AMM-57 can be regarded as a significant accomplishment in Laos's ASEAN Chairmanship in 2024, he said. According to the diplomat, Laos has made strong efforts and commitments toward ASEAN's common goals, such as promoting solidarity, cohesion, and maintaining ASEAN's central role; actively connecting economic cooperation activities, digital transformation, and regional integration; enhancing cooperation to address climate change, protect the environment, support women and children, and improve healthcare; promoting security and defence cooperation; and further developing and deepening the cooperative relationship between ASEAN and its partners. These accomplishments not only affirm Laos's role and position but also contribute to creating momentum for the sustainable development of ASEAN in the future, towards contributing to the region's stable and sustainable development and growth, the ambassador said./.