General Secretary To Lam holds talks with top Lao leader

The summit meeting took place in a warm and upbeat atmosphere, reflecting the shared joy of the two nations over the successful outcomes of the 14th National Congress of the Communist Party of Viet Nam (CPV) and the 12th National Congress of the LPRP.

The two leaders briefed each other about the situation of their respective Parties and countries, key outcomes of the recent national congresses, and major orientations and policies outlined in the congress resolutions. They also exchanged views on domestic developments and regional and international issues of shared interests, as well as measures to further strengthen the great friendship, special solidarity, comprehensive cooperation and strategic cohesion between Viet Nam and Laos in the new phase.

Both sides agreed that amid increasingly complex and unpredictable regional and global changes, further strengthening solidarity, political trust, close ties and coordination between the two Parties and States is of particular importance.

During the meeting, General Secretary To Lam congratulated Thongloun Sisoulith on his re-election as General Secretary of the LPRP and warmly welcomed him, his spouse, and the high-ranking delegation of Laos on their State visit to Viet Nam. He expressed appreciation for the top Lao leader's decision to chose Viet Nam as the first country to visit following the successful Party Congresses of both Parties, stressing that the visit is of special significance and marks an important milestone in bilateral relations.

To was convinced that the visit would contribute to elevating the Viet Nam–Laos ties to a new height and reaffirmed the determination of the two leaders and peoples to preserve and further develop the special relationship between the two countries. He also thanked the Party, State and people of Laos for the warm reception given to the high-level Vietnamese delegation during its State visit to Laos in December 2025.

For his part, Thongloun Sisoulith highly praised Viet Nam's major and comprehensive achievements over the past more than 80 years of national construction and development, particularly the outcomes of nearly 40 years of renewal. He congratulated Viet Nam on the successful organization of the 14th National Party Congress and comrade To Lam on his re-election as General Secretary, reflecting the high trust of the Party, State and people for him.

Thongloun Sisoulith expressed confidence that under the leadership of the CPV headed by General Secretary To Lam, Viet Nam will successfully implement the Resolution of the 14th Party Congress and fulfil its two centenary goals.

On this occasion, To Lam congratulated Laos on the successful conclusion of the 12th National Congress of the LPRP, affirming that it marked a new stage in the Lao revolution and strengthened the political foundation for further deepening bilateral ties. He reassured Viet Nam's strong and comprehensive support for Laos' cause of national construction, renewal and defense.

The two leaders noted that the addition of "strategic cohesion" to the bilateral relationship framework in 2025 represents a development of long-term strategic significance, providing a solid political foundation for deeper, more effective and sustainable cooperation.

They agreed on the need to effectively implement the high-level agreements and the Viet Nam–Laos Joint Statement, linking strategic vision with practical action, and to focus on cooperation projects that meet the practical needs of both countries and hold strong symbolic value.

Both sides agreed to step up cooperation in priority areas like defense and security; trade, investment and economic connectivity toward achieving the trade goal of US$10 billion; major transport projects such as the Ha Noi–Vientiane expressway and the Vientiane–Vung Ang railway; education, training and high-quality human resource development.

The two sides also agreed to explore new training models, step up communication on the special Viet Nam–Laos relationship, promote cooperation in culture, tourism and science–technology, and expand collaboration in telecommunications, e-government and digital transformation. They reaffirmed their commitment to maintaining close consultation and coordination on regional and international issues and supporting each other at multilateral forums.

On this occasion, Thongloun Sisoulith invited General Secretary To Lam to visit Laos at an early date, and the invitation was accepted with pleasure.

After the summit meeting, the two leaders witnessed the signing of cooperation documents between the two countries including: 

- The Cooperation Agreement between the Office of the Central Committee of the Communist Party of Viet Nam and the Office of the Central Committee of the Lao People's Revolutionary Party for the 2026–2030 period;

- The Memorandum of Understanding on cooperation between the Party Committee and Administration of Ha Noi Capital and the Party Committee and Administration of Vientiane Capital for the 2026–2030 period.