Political relations continue to be firmly consolidated.
In recent times, political and foreign cooperation between Vietnam and Laos has continued to maintain a positive and stable pace. High-level meetings and exchanges between Party and Government agencies have been held regularly, creating conditions for the two sides to exchange strategies, assess the situation and orient long-term cooperation.
Not only stopping at bilateral meetings, the two countries also closely coordinate in regional and international forums, especially in the Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN), the Greater Mekong Subregion, the Ayeyawady-Chao Phraya-Mekong Economic Cooperation Strategy (ACMECS)... Major policies, especially issues related to sustainable development, water security and sub-regional connectivity, are consulted and supported each other.
It is noteworthy that the two Parties continue to increase experience sharing in Party building, state governance, and cadre training, especially in the context of the two countries carrying out extensive reforms to improve management capacity and growth quality.
Parliamentary cooperation - an important political pillar
In addition to cooperation between the Party, Government and bilateral mechanisms, the relationship between the Vietnamese National Assembly and the Lao National Assembly continues to develop substantially and effectively. The two legislative bodies regularly maintain visits, exchange high-level delegations, hold thematic talks and share experiences in legislation, supervision and decision-making on important national issues.
In 2025, the leaders of the two National Assemblies strongly promoted cooperation programs, especially in the following areas: perfecting the law on state apparatus organization, administrative reform, supervising strategic economic-infrastructure cooperation projects, developing human resources and strengthening supervision of the implementation of agreements signed between the two governments.
The two sides also promoted coordination mechanisms at regional and international parliamentary forums such as the ASEAN Inter-Parliamentary Assembly (AIPA), the Asia-Pacific Parliamentary Forum (APPF), or Mekong parliamentary cooperation mechanisms, to enhance a common voice on strategic issues of the sub-region, actively contributing to regional peace and stability.
Notably, the agencies of the Vietnamese National Assembly continue to support the Lao National Assembly in training officials, digitally transforming parliamentary activities, sharing experiences in building e-parliament, as well as coordinating the organization of specialized seminars on improving laws. This is an important highlight demonstrating the mutual complementarity and high trust between the two legislative bodies.
Strengthening security and defense cooperation and border stability
With a border of more than 2,300km, defense and security cooperation has always been an important pillar in the relationship between the two countries. Vietnam and Laos have stepped up joint patrols, information exchange, and coordination in preventing cross-border crimes, especially drugs, smuggling, and illegal migration.
The two sides also focus on modernizing the border gate system and developing border infrastructure to both facilitate trade and improve control efficiency.
In addition, cooperation in officer training, sharing experience in force building and handling non-traditional security threats such as cyber security, natural disasters, forest fires, etc. has been enhanced, contributing to ensuring sustainable security along the two countries' border.
Infrastructure connectivity - new growth driver
One of the highlights of the Vietnam-Laos relationship in recent times is the strong promotion of infrastructure connection projects. Cross-border transport systems, national highways, bridges across rivers and economic corridors continue to be completed, expanding the ability to transport goods between Vietnam, Laos and further to Thailand and Myanmar.
The implementation of road projects, international border gates and logistics centers has contributed to reducing transportation costs and increasing the ability to connect Vietnamese seaports with the northern, central and southern provinces of Laos. This is considered an important step to help Laos promote its geo-economic advantages and at the same time expand the development space of Vietnam's border provinces.
Stabilize and expand economic and trade cooperation
Bilateral trade between the two countries has recently maintained positive growth, with key products including agricultural products, minerals, energy, construction materials, consumer goods and logistics services. Trade turnover in 2024 reached a record of more than 2.25 billion USD; in the first 9 months of 2025 alone, it reached about 2.36 billion USD, a significant increase over the same period. Many Vietnamese enterprises continue to expand investment in Laos in the fields of banking, telecommunications, high-tech agriculture, energy and infrastructure.
However, the potential for economic cooperation is still huge as the two sides share a seamless economic space that can complement each other’s advantages. Improving administrative procedures, supporting small and medium-sized enterprises, and applying digital technology to border trade are priorities that both sides are actively promoting.
Educational cooperation - outstanding strength
A prominent strength of the Vietnam-Laos relationship is cooperation in the field of education and training. Vietnam currently receives thousands of Lao students each year, while many Vietnamese universities have established training, research and expert exchange links with Lao educational institutions.
In addition to education, the two countries have also strengthened cooperation in healthcare, disease prevention, public health care and high-quality human resource development. Cooperation in overcoming the consequences of war - including searching for remains and handling remaining bombs and mines - continues to be a bright spot demonstrating humanitarian spirit and historical responsibility.
Continue to deepen the special Vietnam - Laos relationship
Vietnam and Laos are witnessing a series of remarkable steps forward: from trade, investment, infrastructure, technology to social cooperation and defense, opening a more comprehensive and modern chapter of cooperation. Each development area not only brings immediate benefits, but also connects strategic interests, human resources and trust between the two countries.
The State visit of General Secretary To Lam will therefore be significant as a milestone for both sides to review, affirm their commitments, and reorient their cooperation for the coming time. Substantive successes will be measured by specific projects, clear effectiveness, benefits to the people, and long-term vision.
In the context of regional and international fluctuations, the Vietnam - Laos relationship, with its tradition of "great friendship, special solidarity, comprehensive cooperation" is a strategic asset that the two countries will preserve, deepen and promote sustainably in the coming time.
Source: https://daibieunhandan.vn/50-nam-quan-he-viet-nam-lao-vung-nen-tang-mo-tuong-lai-10397664.html
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