Vietnam-Laos relations enter a period of deep strategic engagement

General Secretary of the Central Committee of the Communist Party of Vietnam To Lam and his wife, along with the high-ranking Vietnamese delegation, have just successfully concluded their State visit to Laos, attending the 50th National Day Celebration of the Lao People's Democratic Republic and co-chairing the High-Level Meeting between the Communist Party of Vietnam and the Lao People's Revolutionary Party.

Vietnam-Laos relations enter a period of deep strategic engagement

E-Magazine | Nhandan.vn

One of the important highlights of the working trip was that Vietnam and Laos agreed to add a new connotation to the bilateral relationship: “Great friendship, special solidarity, comprehensive cooperation, strategic connection” . Strengthening and expanding cooperation and sustainably developing the special solidarity relationship between Vietnam and Laos has strategic significance in the context of the current volatile regional and world situation and meets the aspirations of the people of the two countries, contributing to peace , stability and development in the region and the world.

Writing a new chapter in the history of bilateral relations

The 50th anniversary of the National Day of the Lao People's Democratic Republic was solemnly held at That Luang Square in Vientiane. General Secretary To Lam and his wife, along with a high-ranking delegation of Vietnam, attended and shared joy with the brotherly country of Laos.

General Secretary To Lam and his wife attend the ceremony to celebrate the 50th anniversary of National Day of the Lao People's Democratic Republic. (Photo: VNA)

At the talks with Lao General Secretary and President Thongloun Sisoulith, General Secretary To Lam emphasized that this visit to Laos once again affirms Vietnam's consistent foreign policy of always giving the highest priority to the special solidarity relationship with Laos. This is also an opportunity for the two countries to jointly affirm their determination to build a new vision, bringing the Vietnam-Laos relationship to a new level of development with increasingly deep trust, opening up strong breakthroughs in cooperation in all fields.

The two leaders expressed their delight at the fact that the special solidarity and comprehensive cooperation between Vietnam and Laos is increasingly developing, deepening, becoming practical and effective in all fields, contributing significantly to maintaining political stability, national defense, security and socio-economic development of each country, considering this as the law of development and an important factor ensuring the success of the cause of building and defending the Fatherland of each country. On the basis of inheriting and promoting the tradition of special solidarity, the two sides agreed to deepen bilateral relations by adding a new connotation: "Great friendship, special solidarity, comprehensive cooperation, strategic connection" .   This is an affirmation of the common vision, intertwined strategic interests and long-term companionship orientation for the goal of sustainable development, self-reliance and common prosperity of the two peoples.

General Secretary To Lam holds talks with Lao General Secretary and President Thongloun Sisoulith. (Photo: VNA)

The two leaders agreed to strengthen the strong connection in the economy, infrastructure, banking-finance, tourism of the two countries, deploy effective measures to strive to increase the turnover to 5 billion USD in the near future and towards 10 billion USD in the coming time, associated with strengthening the connection in transport infrastructure, energy, logistics; enhancing the exchange of experience in macroeconomic management, anti-corruption. The two leaders agreed to strongly promote and create breakthroughs in economic, cultural, scientific-technical cooperation; agreed to promote the connection in transportation, electricity, telecommunications, tourism; continue to improve the quality of education, training and human resource development; promote people-to-people exchanges and between localities.

The great achievements that the Vietnamese people have attained in the renovation process and the continuous enhancement of their position and prestige in the international arena have provided the Party, State and people of Laos with valuable experiences in successfully carrying out the tasks of protecting and building the country.

- General Secretary and President of Laos Thongloun Sisoulith

General Secretary To Lam and Lao General Secretary and President Thongloun Sisoulith held a closed-door meeting. (Photo: VNA)

On this occasion, the two sides issued the Vietnam-Laos Joint Statement , reaffirming their determination to raise strategic trust to a higher level and affirming the consistent policy of the two Parties and States to always stand side by side, support and help each other in the cause of innovation, construction, development and protection of the Fatherland.

The joint statement emphasized: The Vietnam-Laos and Laos-Vietnam relations have always been identified as a top priority in each country's foreign policy. This is an exemplary relationship of long-term strategic significance, one of the decisive factors for the victory of the revolutionary cause in each country. This is an invaluable asset, a strategic fulcrum for the stability, development and integration of each country, and at the same time a historical law, a source of strength and motivation for the two countries to continue to preserve, promote and pass on to future generations.

General Secretary To Lam meets with Lao Prime Minister Sonexay Siphandone. (Photo: VNA)

During the meeting with Lao Prime Minister Sonexay Siphandone, General Secretary To Lam asked the two Prime Ministers to continue directing the agencies of the two countries to closely coordinate and actively implement the commitments and agreements of the two countries' senior leaders. The two sides highly appreciated the efforts of the relevant ministries and branches of the two countries to coordinate and promote the completion of a number of typical projects, marking an important milestone on the occasion of this visit, such as the inauguration of the Vietnam-Laos Friendship Park in Vientiane Capital; the inauguration ceremony of the Friendship Hospital in Houphane Province.

The General Secretary suggested that the two countries continue to strengthen political trust, maintain delegation exchanges and high-level contacts on all channels, and organize well the 48th meeting of the Vietnam-Laos Intergovernmental Committee, which will take place right after the high-level meeting of the two Parties on December 2, to implement the results of the high-level talks and high-level agreements between the two countries, including strategic connectivity, strategic connectivity on development vision, connectivity of space and infrastructure, economic corridors, logistics, energy, and green transformation. The two sides need to promote more practical and effective economic cooperation, becoming a real pillar in the comprehensive cooperation relationship between Vietnam and Laos, and continue to implement key cooperation projects and ensure progress.

General Secretary To Lam and Chairman of the Lao National Assembly Saysomphone Phomvihane and delegates pressed the button to launch the e-book "50 years of relations between the National Assembly of the Socialist Republic of Vietnam and the National Assembly of the Lao PDR - Comprehensive cooperation and development". (Photo: VNA)

Meeting with Lao National Assembly Chairman Saysomphone Phomvihane, General Secretary To Lam proposed a number of measures to strengthen relations between the two National Assemblies, including continuing to exchange and share experiences in areas of mutual interest, especially in building and perfecting institutions, legal systems, supreme supervision and deciding on important national issues. The two National Assemblies also need to promote the improvement of institutions and policies to facilitate the effective implementation of high-level agreements of the two countries' Politburoes and the Cooperation Agreement between the two Governments. The two National Assemblies need to closely coordinate and jointly supervise the implementation of bilateral agreements; strengthen supervision and promote investment cooperation projects between the two countries, propose to remove difficulties and obstacles in institutions and mechanisms, and create a favorable legal corridor for businesses and localities of the two countries to cooperate sustainably and for mutual benefit.

Visiting the Lao National Academy of Politics and Public Administration, General Secretary To Lam delivered a policy speech with the theme: "Inheriting the great friendship, cultivating special solidarity, consolidating comprehensive cooperation and promoting Vietnam-Laos strategic ties in the new period" .

The General Secretary stated that Vietnam and Laos are two neighboring countries with the same aspirations, the same living space and development. Geography is the starting point of natural ties, a place where “we stand together in times of need”, a place where we hear the same rooster crowing, a bowl of rice, and a grain of salt. For centuries, the people of the two countries have gone through great historical challenges, faced the harshness of nature to survive, been invaded by colonialists and imperialists, divided, restrained, oppressed, and faced the pressure of survival, either uniting to win or being defeated in turn. According to the General Secretary, the special solidarity between Vietnam and Laos is the only correct choice, a historical necessity of strategic survival. The two peoples realize that: “If we want to survive and develop, we must stand together”.

One thing that needs to be affirmed is: Solidarity and closeness are the source of Vietnam-Laos relations. Without that source of adhesion, we would just be two neighboring countries "standing side by side". With the adhesive "solidarity", we become two nations "standing together", "side by side" in the stages of development.

- General Secretary To Lam

General Secretary To Lam emphasized three directions of connection in the Vietnam-Laos relationship: (1) Bilateral connection: Vietnam and Laos need to connect strategically in terms of development vision; connect space and infrastructure, economic corridors, logistics, energy, green transformation, and digital transformation.

(2) Connecting the sub-region, especially the three Indochinese countries. The closer the Vietnam-Laos relationship, the more sustainable the solidarity of the three Indochinese countries will be; the more united the three Indochinese countries will be, the more unified and strong ASEAN will be.

(3) Regional and international connectivity: Vietnam and Laos are both in ASEAN and participate in many sub-regional, regional and international cooperation mechanisms. Therefore, we need to promote complementary strengths. We will not only strengthen ourselves, but also contribute to making ASEAN stronger and the Southeast Asian region more stable and developed.

During the State visit to Laos, General Secretary To Lam was honored to be awarded the National Gold Medal. This is the highest medal of the Lao People's Democratic Republic awarded to General Secretary To Lam for his great contributions to fostering the great friendship, special solidarity and comprehensive cooperation between the two Parties, two States and peoples of Laos and Vietnam.

General Secretary To Lam and the Lao General Secretary and President also witnessed the handover ceremony of 12 important cooperation documents between ministries, branches, localities and relevant agencies of the two countries; and together with the Lao National Assembly Chairman pressed the button to launch the e-book "50 years of relations between the Lao National Assembly and the Vietnamese National Assembly - Comprehensive cooperation and development (1975-2025)"...

General Secretary To Lam and his wife, along with the high-ranking Vietnamese delegation, attended the inauguration ceremony of the Laos-Vietnam Friendship Park in the capital Vientiane. This is a symbolic project, a cultural and spiritual gift from the Party, State and people of Vietnam to the Party, State and people of Laos on the occasion of the 50th anniversary of Laos' National Day and to welcome the National Congress of the two Parties.

General Secretary To Lam and Lao General Secretary and President Thongloun Sisoulith attended the inauguration of the Laos-Vietnam Friendship Park. (Photo: VNA)

General Secretary To Lam and Lao General Secretary and President Thongloun Sisoulith witnessed the exchange of the 2026 Cooperation Plan between the Vietnamese and Lao Ministries of National Defense. (Photo: VNA)

General Secretary To Lam and Lao General Secretary and President Thongloun Sisoulith attended the inauguration of the Laos-Vietnam Friendship Park. (Photo: VNA)

Strengthening cooperation between the Communist Party of Vietnam and the Lao People's Revolutionary Party

In the capital Vientiane, a high-level meeting between the Communist Party of Vietnam and the Lao People's Revolutionary Party took place, co-chaired by General Secretary To Lam and General Secretary and President of Laos Thongloun Sisoulith. This is the highest cooperation mechanism and has a particularly important role in guiding and developing the great friendship, special solidarity, comprehensive cooperation and strategic connection between Vietnam and Laos, bringing practical benefits to the people of the two countries, contributing to the stability, peace, security and common prosperity of the region and the world.

At the meeting, General Secretary To Lam and Lao General Secretary and President Thongloun Sisoulith informed each other about the situation of each Party and each country; assessed the main and outstanding results of cooperation between the two Parties and two countries in recent times; discussed a number of mechanisms to create breakthroughs in the cooperative relationship between the two countries in the new situation; and shared a number of contents on the world and regional situation of mutual concern.

General Secretary To Lam and Lao General Secretary and President Thongloun Sisoulith co-chaired the high-level meeting between the Communist Party of Vietnam and the Lao People's Revolutionary Party. (Photo: VNA)

The leaders of the two Parties and States assessed that the comprehensive cooperation between the two countries has made important contributions to the socio-economic development, strengthening of national defense and security, maintaining political stability and social order and safety of each country. In the context of the volatile regional and world situation, the two leaders affirmed that they will continue to strengthen and deepen the great friendship, special solidarity, comprehensive cooperation and strategic connection between Vietnam and Laos through existing practical and effective cooperation mechanisms, establishing and organizing new mechanisms that have been agreed upon by the two countries' senior leaders, thereby actively contributing to the implementation of each country's development goals.

The two sides affirmed to continue to deepen the relationship between the two Parties and two countries, considering it a core pillar guiding the overall strategy for the Vietnam-Laos comprehensive cooperation relationship, affirming the consistent policy of the two Parties and two States in always standing side by side, supporting and helping each other in the cause of innovation, construction, development and protection of the Fatherland; determining that the Vietnam-Laos, Laos-Vietnam relationship is always a top priority in the foreign policy of each country; is an exemplary relationship, of long-term strategic significance, and is one of the decisive factors for the victory of the revolutionary cause in each country.

High-level meeting between the Communist Party of Vietnam and the Lao People's Revolutionary Party. (Photo: VNA)

The two sides affirmed that they will closely coordinate on strategic issues related to security and development, and jointly prepare for the successful organization of the National Congress of each Party. The two leaders emphasized and affirmed the strategic importance of further strengthening the pillars of defense, security and foreign affairs cooperation, in order to maintain political stability, security and social order; considering this one of the important pillars of the special Vietnam-Laos relationship.

The two sides affirmed to continue to maximize the effectiveness of existing cooperation mechanisms, while continuing to innovate and improve the quality of coordination in all areas. On that basis, the two countries will consider building new, appropriate cooperation mechanisms to further strengthen the special solidarity between Vietnam and Laos, bringing practical benefits to the people of each country and contributing to peace, cooperation and development in the region as well as the world. The leaders of the two sides also agreed to continue to exchange information in a timely manner, consult on positions, closely coordinate and support each other at international and regional forums.

High-level meeting between the Communist Party of Vietnam and the Lao People's Revolutionary Party. (Photo: VNA)

At the meeting, Prime Minister Pham Minh Chinh and Lao Prime Minister Sonexay Siphandone highly appreciated the results achieved in economic, trade, investment, cultural-educational and scientific-technological cooperation between the two countries in recent times. In terms of economy, the two sides agreed to promote trade and investment cooperation, considering this an important pillar of the Vietnam-Laos strategic connection. The two countries will effectively implement the Joint Statements, high-level agreements and cooperation programs between ministries, branches and localities; promote connectivity and complementarity between the two economies; actively remove difficulties and obstacles in the implementation process.

The two sides also exchanged many specific orientations and measures to improve the effectiveness of economic and trade cooperation in the coming period, especially emphasizing the need to create a strong, breakthrough change in economic, trade and investment development cooperation, making this field a strategic pillar, commensurate with the stature of political relations as well as the potential of each country.

General Secretary To Lam and Lao General Secretary and President Thongloun Sisoulith witnessed the signing ceremony of the Minutes of Agreement between the two Politburoes in 2026. (Photo: VNA)

In addition, Vietnam and Laos will expand cooperation between Party, State, Fatherland Front, mass organizations and people's organizations; strengthen coordination and mutual support in socio-economic development, as well as ensure security and stability in border areas, contributing to firmly consolidating the special relationship between the two countries.

On this occasion, General Secretary To Lam visited and wished good health to former General Secretary and former President of Laos Choummaly Sayasone and former General Secretary and former President of Laos Bounnhang Vorachith.

General Secretary To Lam emphasized that Vietnam always highly appreciates the great achievements that Laos has achieved in 50 years of national construction and 40 years of renovation; and respects the important contributions of former leaders through the periods. The General Secretary affirmed that Vietnam will continue to strongly and comprehensively support the cause of renovation, socio-economic development, protection and construction of Laos; and believes that the Lao People's Revolutionary Party will successfully organize the 12th Congress. The General Secretary shared his impression of the solidarity among the people, the wisdom of the Lao People's Revolutionary Party, and the strength of the armed forces when witnessing the 50th anniversary of Laos' National Day.

General Secretary To Lam met with former General Secretary and President of Laos Bounnhang Vorachit. (Photo: VNA)

General Secretary To Lam met with former General Secretary and President of Laos Bounnhang Vorachit. (Photo: VNA)

General Secretary To Lam met with former General Secretary and President of Laos Choummaly Sayasone. (Photo: VNA)

General Secretary To Lam met with former General Secretary and President of Laos Choummaly Sayasone. (Photo: VNA)

General Secretary To Lam shared that during this visit, the two sides agreed to elevate the Vietnam-Laos relationship to the level of “Great friendship, special solidarity, comprehensive cooperation, and strategic cohesion”, demonstrating a common vision and orientation for long-term companionship for the common prosperity of the two peoples.

The Party, State and people of Vietnam always attach importance to and give the highest priority to preserving and developing the special Vietnam-Laos relationship; commit to working with Laos to effectively implement the agreements reached, especially the strategic orientations in economic cooperation, national defense-security, culture, education and infrastructure connection, and the new contents just reached after the high-level talks.

- General Secretary To Lam

The former Lao leaders emphasized that Vietnam has always been a consistent friend, standing side by side with Laos in the most difficult times as well as in the current renovation and development process. The two comrades expressed their firm belief that, under the leadership of the two Parties, the special solidarity relationship between Vietnam and Laos will increasingly develop strongly, deepen, and bring practical benefits to the people of the two countries.

The State visit to Laos, attending the 50th National Day Celebration of the Lao People's Democratic Republic and co-chairing the High-Level Meeting between the Communist Party of Vietnam and the Lao People's Revolutionary Party by General Secretary To Lam and his wife along with the high-ranking Vietnamese delegation was a great success.

The working trip once again affirmed Vietnam's consistent foreign policy of always giving the highest priority to the special solidarity relationship with Laos. This is also an opportunity for the two countries to jointly affirm their determination to build a new vision, bringing the Vietnam-Laos relationship to a new level of development with increasingly deep trust, opening up strong breakthroughs in cooperation in all fields...

Publication date: December 3, 2025

Directed by: Chu Hong Thang - Pham Truong Son

Content: Minh Hang - Nguyen Ha

Presented by: Nha Nam

Source: According to the Ministry of Foreign Affairs and Vietnam News Agency

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