Foreign minister highlights major outcomes of Prime Minister Pham Minh Chinh's Laos tour

Minister Le made the remarks following Prime Minister Pham's working visit to Laos on December 2–3. The meeting coincided with major events, including the high-level meeting between the Communist Party of Viet Nam and the Lao People's Revolutionary Party, as well as the celebrations for Laos' 50th National Day and the 105th birth anniversary of late President Kaysone Phomvihane.

The meeting reaffirmed both countries' commitment to promptly implementing agreements reached at the earlier high-level Party meeting and emphasized the shared resolve to elevate bilateral relations, adding "strategic cohesion" to the Viet Nam–Laos "great friendship, special solidarity, and comprehensive cooperation."

This year's meeting was not only about the strategic upgrade but also about outlining concrete orientations and measures. Key outcomes included the signing of three documents: the Viet Nam–Laos Cooperation Agreement for 2026–2030, the 2026 Cooperation Plan, and the meeting's minutes detailing areas of governmental consensus.

The meeting also established crucial conditions for the two countries to implement their development, defense, security, and foreign policies, which will be further specified at the upcoming national congresses of both Parties in early 2026.

Four priority directions

Looking ahead, Minister Le emphasized that both governments will promptly implement the meeting's outcomes, beginning with thorough application of instructions from General Secretary To Lam of the Communist Party of Viet Nam and General Secretary and President Thongloun Sisoulith of Laos, along with the agreements reached at the 48th meeting under four priority directions as follows:

First, the two sides will strengthen political cooperation to serve as a foundation for defense and security, thereby maintaining a peaceful environment for national development.

Second, the two countries will strive to achieve economic and investment breakthroughs by enhancing economic connectivity, aligning development strategies, and strengthening links in infrastructure, energy, and transport.

Third, both sides will expand and renew cooperation through exploring new areas to reflect strategic cohesion, engaging both state agencies and the business sector.

Fourth, the two sides will improve coordination and advance key projects. The Committee agreed to hold quarterly meetings, with co-chairing ministers reviewing progress every three months. Viet Nam will increase grant aid to Laos by 2.5 times over the next five years, prioritizing impactful projects.

Minister Le stressed that detailed implementation plans are essential. With this approach, cooperation between the two countries will generate fresh momentum for development, national defense and security, and international integration./.