Full text of the Vietnam - Laos Joint Statement

Lao Dong Newspaper respectfully introduces the full text of the Vietnam - Laos Joint Statement.

General Secretary To Lam and Lao General Secretary and President Thongloun Sisoulith. Photo: VNA

1. At the invitation of General Secretary of the Central Committee of the Lao People's Revolutionary Party, President of the Lao People's Democratic Republic Thongloun Sisoulith and his wife, General Secretary of the Central Committee of the Communist Party of Vietnam To Lam and his wife, together with a high-ranking delegation of the Party and State of Vietnam, paid a State visit to the Lao People's Democratic Republic, attended the 50th Anniversary of Laos' National Day, and co-chaired the Annual Meeting between the Communist Party of Vietnam and the Lao People's Revolutionary Party, from December 1 to 2, 2025.

During the visit, General Secretary To Lam held talks with Lao General Secretary and President Thongloun Sisoulith; met with Lao Prime Minister Sonexay Siphandone and Lao National Assembly Chairman Xaysomphone Phomvihane; attended the 50th National Day celebration of the Lao People's Democratic Republic; co-chaired the high-level meeting between the Communist Party of Vietnam and the Lao People's Revolutionary Party; laid wreaths at the Monument to Unknown Martyrs; attended the inauguration ceremony of the Laos-Vietnam Friendship Park; visited former senior leaders of the Lao Party and State; delivered policy speeches at the Lao National Academy of Politics and Public Administration and participated in a number of other activities in Laos.

2. In an atmosphere of friendship, special solidarity and deep trust, the two sides had in-depth, comprehensive and substantive exchanges on the situation of each Party and each country; on Vietnam-Laos relations; and on regional and international situations of mutual concern.

The two sides warmly congratulated and highly appreciated the great, comprehensive and historic achievements that the two Parties, two States and peoples have achieved in the past time. The two sides affirmed that the sharing of experiences, consultation and application of some of each other's breakthrough policies in the work of Party building and rectification, anti-corruption, economic development, building an independent and self-reliant economy, training high-quality human resources, perfecting the organizational apparatus and preparing for the National Congress of each Party have made important contributions to maintaining political stability, promoting socio-economic development, consolidating national defense and security and expanding foreign relations.

The two sides expressed their deep belief that, under the wise leadership of the Communist Party of Vietnam and the Lao People's Revolutionary Party, inheriting the work of previous generations, promoting the glorious revolutionary tradition and special solidarity between the two peoples, the cause of innovation, national construction and defense in each country will continue to achieve even greater achievements.

The two sides highly appreciated the fact that in recent times, they have maintained regular visits, meetings and contacts between high-ranking leaders in many flexible and innovative forms; promoted and effectively operated existing cooperation mechanisms, proactively established and perfected many specific mechanisms, strategic policy consultation mechanisms, coordinated the sending of Vietnamese expert teams to Laos to exchange experiences to promptly remove difficulties; coordinated orientations on major issues related to security, development and integration of each country, which have significantly contributed to improving the effectiveness of cooperation at all levels and in all fields.

3. On the basis of inheriting and promoting the tradition of special solidarity between the two countries, the two sides agreed to deepen the connotation of the Vietnam - Laos relationship to a new height, which is the relationship of "Great friendship, special solidarity, comprehensive cooperation, strategic connection", demonstrating a common vision, intertwined strategic interests and long-term companionship for sustainable development, self-reliance and common prosperity of the two peoples.

The two sides affirmed that strategic engagement will be the foundation to strongly promote in-depth and substantive cooperation, especially engagement in vision and goals, development policies and strategies, infrastructure and development space, education, training and human resource development, thereby strengthening security and sustainable development of the two countries.

The two sides agreed to firmly attach special importance to and be determined to preserve and promote the great friendship, special solidarity, comprehensive cooperation and strategic ties, founded by President Ho Chi Minh, President Kaysone Phomvihane and President Souphanouvong, and nurtured by generations of leaders and people of the two countries, and to continue to be inherited and developed in accordance with the requirements, visions and strategic interests of the two countries in the new period.

4. The two sides reaffirmed their determination to jointly raise strategic trust to a higher level, 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.

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, and 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.

The two sides affirmed their determination to move towards new development milestones, successfully organize the National Congress of each Party; strive to celebrate the 100th anniversary of the founding of the Socialist Republic of Vietnam by 2045 - becoming a developed, high-income country; and by 2055, celebrate the 100th anniversary of the founding of the Lao People's Revolutionary Party - becoming a developing, upper-middle-income country. The two sides simultaneously aim to build Vietnam and Laos into increasingly prosperous, democratic, equitable, and civilized countries; constantly enhance the position and role of each country in the region and in the international arena, and steadily advance towards socialism in accordance with the practical conditions of each country.

The two sides affirmed to jointly and effectively implement the framework of the great friendship, special solidarity, comprehensive cooperation, and strategic connection in the new era of development; agreed to continue enhancing the strategic connection in the political relationship between the two Parties and two States, considering this a core pillar guiding the overall strategy for the Vietnam-Laos comprehensive cooperation relationship.

The two sides agreed to strengthen cooperation and close coordination in Party building and political system building, while coordinating to implement breakthrough initiatives in socio-economic development, macroeconomic stability and international integration. The two sides agreed on strategic thoughts and actions to bring the Vietnam-Laos relationship closer together, develop comprehensively and sustainably in the new era.

5. The two sides continued to emphasize and affirm the strategic importance of further strengthening cooperation in the field of defense and security - one of the important pillars of the special Vietnam - Laos relationship.

The two sides agreed to closely coordinate in ensuring political security and social order, firmly protecting independence, sovereignty and territorial integrity; at the same time, building a strategic defense and security posture, supporting each other in preventing and combating traditional and non-traditional security risks.

The two sides agreed to closely coordinate in maintaining political stability, firmly protecting independence, sovereignty, territorial integrity, ensuring national security, order and social safety in each country; substantially and effectively implementing the Protocols, Agreements, Cooperation Plans and Memorandums of Understanding between the Ministries of National Defense and Public Security of Vietnam and Laos; effectively implementing the Agreement on Overseas Vietnamese, the Agreement on Consular Affairs, and the Agreement on Labor between the two countries; seriously implementing the Agreement on Border Management Regulations and Land Border Gates, building a peaceful, stable, friendly, cooperative and sustainably developed Vietnam-Laos border.

The two sides affirmed the consistent view that the security of one country is closely linked to the security of the other; resolutely not allowing hostile forces to take advantage of the territory of one country to sabotage the other or to incite and divide the special solidarity relationship between Vietnam and Laos. Continue to strengthen effective coordination in preventing and combating plots of "peaceful evolution" and "violent overthrow", while coordinating to fight and refute distorted and erroneous arguments aimed at dividing the special relationship between Vietnam and Laos.

The two sides affirmed the importance of enhancing consultation and mutual support in consolidating and building a solid national defense and security posture; agreed to promote cooperation in capacity building, training, education, and information sharing to effectively respond to traditional and non-traditional security challenges; closely coordinate in organizing military exercises, responding to non-traditional security challenges, preventing terrorism, controlling immigration, preventing illegal migration and exploitation of resources; ensuring political security, social order and safety, security in border areas, and fighting against cross-border crimes, especially drug crimes and cyber crimes.

The two sides also welcomed the results of the signing ceremony of the United Nations Convention against Cybercrime in Hanoi, and affirmed that they will soon complete internal procedures to ratify the Convention, contributing to promoting the effective implementation of the Convention.

The two sides will continue to strengthen the connection of defense and security cooperation programs and projects with sustainable socio-economic development, especially projects in key areas and border areas between the two countries. The two sides agreed to continue to strengthen the Vietnam-Laos border defense friendship exchange; effectively promote existing cooperation mechanisms. At the same time, the two sides will continue to closely coordinate in the search, collection, exhumation and repatriation of the remains of Vietnamese martyrs, volunteer soldiers and experts who sacrificed their lives in Laos, demonstrating the traditional morality and special loyalty and attachment between the two peoples; at the same time, coordinate in inspecting, repairing and embellishing monuments and works symbolizing the solidarity, friendship and fighting alliance between Vietnam and Laos.

6. The two sides agreed to demonstrate high political determination in creating a strong, strategic breakthrough in economic, trade, investment and infrastructure development cooperation, making this field a strategic pillar, commensurate with the stature of the special Vietnam-Laos relationship.

Putting Port No. 3 - Laos - Vietnam International Port into use is not only a step forward in infrastructure but also a symbol of strategic connection in development space, contributing to realizing the vision of "bringing Laos to the sea", connecting Vietnam - Laos - the region in a sustainable development corridor.

The two sides pledged to continue close cooperation to contribute to ensuring economic security and energy security of each country; agreed to promote the implementation of large-scale strategic projects in the fields of energy, key mineral exploitation, and transport infrastructure connection. The two sides affirmed their determination to create all favorable conditions and mobilize investment resources to soon realize key cooperation projects, including: Vientiane - Vung Ang railway, power transmission line projects from Northern Laos to Vietnam, cooperation in coal and electricity trading; mineral exploitation; the two sides continued to study the construction of strategic petroleum depots in the border area on Lao soil, considering this an important driving force and catalyst to promote and create breakthroughs in the cooperative relationship between the two countries in the coming time.

Vietnam welcomes the Lao side's decision to proactively implement the construction of the Hanoi - Vientiane expressway, the section from Vientiane to Thanh Thuy border gate. Vietnam will also start construction of the section from Vinh to Thanh Thuy border gate in early 2026. The two sides hope to soon open the connecting route to complete the Hanoi - Vientiane expressway, meeting the common aspirations of the two countries in connecting infrastructure, creating favorable conditions to promote development, especially connecting Vung Ang Port with this important route.

The two sides will coordinate to study and propose appropriate solutions to remove difficulties and barriers, ensuring that projects achieve their goals in accordance with the policies and guidelines of the two Parties and States. At the same time, they will focus on expanding new economic cooperation corridors, strengthening connectivity and mutual support between the two economies, especially in the fields of institutions, finance, transport infrastructure, logistics, energy, telecommunications and tourism, and building production-consumption chains.

Encourage, facilitate and support capable, reputable and financially strong enterprises of each country to strengthen cooperation and investment in the fields of innovation, digital transformation, renewable energy, high-tech agriculture, processing, green development, digital economy, tourism and other fields; effectively implement cooperation documents in the energy sector.

The two sides agreed to prioritize the assignment of border projects to businesses of the two countries, especially the construction of key infrastructure; promote the implementation of the Vietnam-Laos Industrial Park model, cross-border gate economy on the East-West economic corridor; and at the same time build a stable and favorable investment-business environment for businesses of the two countries to develop sustainably.

The two sides agreed to make efforts to promote the growth of bilateral trade turnover, striving to soon complete the target of 5 billion USD in the coming time; strengthen connections, support the business community to promote trade, advertise, build brands and distribution systems for Vietnamese and Lao goods in each country, thereby creating stable and sustainable output for Vietnamese and Lao products.

At the same time, speed up the implementation of approved aid projects, promote and promote the effectiveness of mechanisms, and accelerate the digitalization of bilateral retail payments to strengthen economic links and create new momentum for Vietnam-Laos trade cooperation.

The two sides agreed to innovate and improve the quality and effectiveness of Vietnam's aid to Laos, shifting from breadth to depth; standardizing the process of selecting, appraising and implementing projects based on clear criteria, with specific deadlines, ensuring practicality and sustainability.

7. General Secretary To Lam and Lao General Secretary and President Thongloun Sisoulith agreed to attach importance to and promote cooperation in training high-quality human resources, especially prioritizing training and fostering of leaders and managers for ministries, branches and localities of Laos; agreed to study preferential policies for officials with many years of work experience, close ties and understanding of the relationship between the two countries, and preferential policies for students of both countries studying in the other country.

The two sides continued to effectively implement the Protocol on training cooperation between the two Governments for the 2022-2027 period, while promoting the implementation of tasks and solutions in the Project to improve the quality and effectiveness of Vietnam-Laos educational cooperation for the 2021-2030 period.

The two sides will also increase short-term training and development programs for Lao officials and civil servants, especially strategic-level officials, focusing on developing high-quality human resources and promoting cooperation in skills development and vocational training at both central and local levels.

The two sides agreed to continue implementing the Vietnamese language teaching program and using Vietnamese textbooks in Lao high schools; organizing Vietnamese language teaching for Lao students and officials at agencies and units with demand and sufficient conditions; researching and promoting the implementation of Lao language teaching in general education institutions in Vietnam, and training Lao language for some ministries, branches and central organizations of Vietnam that regularly cooperate with Lao partners, contributing to enhancing exchanges, cooperation and fostering the special solidarity between the two countries.

The two sides agreed to coordinate in organizing many meaningful activities and events on the occasion of the Vietnam - Laos, Laos - Vietnam Solidarity Year 2027 and important events of the two countries with rich and practical content; promote cooperation in the field of information and communication, innovate the content and methods of propaganda and education on the tradition of great friendship, special solidarity and comprehensive cooperation, and strategic connection between Vietnam and Laos among cadres, party members and people of all walks of life, especially the young generation and armed forces of the two countries.

The two sides agreed to promote people-to-people exchanges, regularly organize friendship exchange activities in border areas, youth of the two countries, cultural, artistic and sports exchanges to contribute to strengthening understanding, trust and solidarity between the people of the two countries; soon deploy widespread teaching in educational institutions of each country on the content of the History of the Special Relations between Vietnam - Laos, Laos - Vietnam.

The two sides actively coordinated to build, preserve, embellish and promote the value of historical relics of significance in the relationship between the two Parties and the two peoples, including the "Truong Son Road - Ho Chi Minh Trail on Lao soil" relic site, "The relic site where the first Congress of the Lao People's Revolutionary Party was held in the Vietnam - Laos border area", considering this a sacred symbol of the loyal and steadfast relationship between the two Parties, two States and peoples of the two countries; inaugurated and put into use many works of symbolic significance, contributing to creating new marks and deepening the special solidarity relationship between Vietnam - Laos, Laos - Vietnam.

The two sides agreed to continue to direct the improvement of efficiency, expand cooperation and mutual assistance between Party committees, ministries, branches of the Government, Committees of the National Assembly, Fronts, mass organizations, people's organizations and localities of the two countries, especially localities sharing a common border; review and rearrange cooperation between localities of the two countries after the two sides complete the arrangement and reorganization of local government apparatus to ensure unified management by the Central Government, practicality and effectiveness. Actively exchange information, share experiences, help and support each other for mutual development.

8. The two sides agreed to enhance information exchange, timely consultation, close coordination, and effective mutual support at international and regional forums, especially within the framework of ASEAN cooperation and ASEAN-led mechanisms, the United Nations, Mekong Sub-region cooperation mechanisms, the World Trade Organization, and the Asia-Europe Meeting (ASEM), contributing to maintaining peace, stability, cooperation and development in the region and the world, enhancing the prestige and position of each country and consolidating the central role of the special Vietnam-Laos relationship in the region. The two sides emphasized the importance of maintaining solidarity and the central role of ASEAN; agreed to strengthen cooperation to effectively implement the ASEAN Community Vision 2045 and accompanying strategic plans, contributing to realizing the goal of a self-reliant, dynamic, creative, united, unified, people-centered ASEAN Community.

The two sides agreed to continue to strengthen cooperation and close coordination with the Mekong sub-region countries, partners and relevant international organizations in managing and using water resources and other resources effectively, fairly and sustainably, and to monitor, inspect and assess impacts comprehensively, including cross-border impacts, exchange information related to operational data of mainstream projects, meteorology, hydrology along with early warning to improve the ability to prevent drought and floods, contributing to sustainable development in the Mekong sub-region associated with the common interests of the Mekong riparian countries. The two sides agreed to continue to strengthen cooperation to mobilize resources from partners and relevant international organizations to serve the connection of the two economies as well as the socio-economic development of each country.

The two sides closely coordinate within the framework of the 1995 Mekong Cooperation Agreement on sustainable development cooperation in the Mekong sub-region as well as within the framework of the Mekong Commission member countries and other relevant cooperation mechanisms, promote and strengthen the integration of sub-regional cooperation mechanisms and the process of building the ASEAN Community; encourage ASEAN countries and partners outside the region to actively participate in supporting and investing in the Mekong sub-region in important areas such as: infrastructure connectivity, energy, innovative technology and human resource development.

The two sides reaffirmed ASEAN's principled stance on the East Sea issue as stated in the ASEAN Statements; stressed the importance of maintaining peace, stability, ensuring security, safety, freedom of navigation and aviation in the East Sea, self-restraint, not taking actions that further complicate the situation and increase tensions, resolving disputes by peaceful means on the basis of international law, including the 1982 United Nations Convention on the Law of the Sea (UNCLOS 1982), together with relevant parties promoting the full and effective implementation of the Declaration on the Conduct of Parties in the East Sea (DOC) and soon reaching a substantive, effective and consistent Code of Conduct of Parties in the East Sea (COC) in accordance with international law, including UNCLOS 1982.

9. The two sides highly appreciated the historical significance and special importance of the visit, which took place in the context that the two Parties, States and peoples are making efforts to implement strategic goals for national development, actively preparing to organize the National Congress and conduct the election of deputies to the new National Assembly term of each country in early 2026.

The visit is a historic diplomatic activity, demonstrating the respect, deep concern, close affection, and great support and encouragement of the two Parties, two States and peoples of Vietnam and Laos for each other. It affirms that the success of each country is also the common success of the two countries.

Lao General Secretary and President Thongloun Sisoulith and senior Lao leaders warmly welcomed and highly appreciated the State visit to Laos by General Secretary To Lam and his wife and the delegation, which took place on the occasion of the 50th anniversary of the National Day of the Lao People's Democratic Republic. At the same time, they affirmed that the great achievements that the Lao Party, State and people have achieved in recent times have had important contributions from the wholehearted, righteous, effective and timely assistance of the Party, State and people of Vietnam.

That is not only a source of great encouragement and motivation, but also a vivid demonstration of the close and loyal relationship, sharing the joys and sorrows, sharing the joys and sorrows between the two Parties, the two States and the two peoples throughout the revolutionary history of Vietnam and Laos as well as in the cause of protecting, building and developing the country today.

General Secretary To Lam expressed his appreciation for and will never forget the valuable, wholehearted and righteous help and support of the Lao Party, State and People for the Party, State and People of Vietnam in the past struggle for national liberation and reunification as well as the present cause of national construction and defense.

General Secretary To Lam affirmed that the 12th Congress of the Lao People's Revolutionary Party is a political event of special significance, not only for the revolutionary cause of Laos but also creating new momentum and an important premise for promoting cooperative relations between the two Parties and two States in the coming time.

Vietnam consistently supports Laos' new and breakthrough development orientations and believes that, under the wise leadership of the Lao People's Revolutionary Party, Laos will continue to maintain political stability, develop its socio-economy sustainably and continuously improve people's lives.

General Secretary To Lam emphasized that the success of the 12th National Congress and the upcoming National Assembly election will create a favorable foundation for Laos to realize the goal of building a peaceful, independent, democratic, unified and prosperous country.

The two sides agreed to highly appreciate the successful results of the State visit to Laos by General Secretary To Lam and his wife, considering this an important milestone opening a new chapter in the history of Vietnam-Laos relations. The visit contributed to consolidating and further cultivating the great friendship, special solidarity, comprehensive cooperation, and strategic connection between the two countries, bringing the Vietnam-Laos and Laos-Vietnam relations to a new height with a deeper level of political trust, creating a breakthrough momentum for substantive, sustainable, and long-term development cooperation, actively contributing to peace, stability, and development in the region as well as in the world.

10. General Secretary To Lam and his wife respectfully thanked General Secretary and President of Laos Thongloun Sisoulith and his wife, and senior leaders of the Lao Party, State and people for their warm and cordial welcome, which deeply demonstrated the special solidarity between Vietnam and Laos. He respectfully invited General Secretary and President of Laos Thongloun Sisoulith and his wife, along with senior leaders of the Lao Party and State, to pay an official visit to Vietnam.

General Secretary and President of Laos Thongloun Sisoulith and other senior Lao leaders sincerely thanked and happily accepted the invitation.

Vientiane Capital, December 2, 2025

Laodong.vn

Source: https://laodong.vn/thoi-su/tuyen-bo-chung-viet-nam-lao-1619236.ldo