Viet Nam, Laos reinforce framework of bilateral relations

The agreement was reached at the summit meeting between Vietnamese General Secretary To Lam and Lao General Secretary and President Thongloun Sisoulith in Vientiane on December 1.

The two leaders exchanged views on the situation in each country, with General Secretary To briefing the host on Viet Nam's socio-economic development and ongoing efforts to streamline the political system.

They reaffirmed a shared vision, intertwined strategic interests and long-term companionship orientation for the goal of sustainable development, self-reliance and common prosperity of the two peoples.

Both sides welcomed the growing depth, substance and effectiveness of the Viet Nam–Laos special solidarity and comprehensive cooperation, which have made important contributions to political stability, national defense, security and socio-economic development in both countries. They agreed to further strengthen cooperation between the two Parties, governments, parliaments, front organizations, mass organizations and localities, particularly in border provinces.

The two sides reaffirmed that their close political ties would continue to be reinforced through regular high-level contacts and effective cooperation mechanisms. The leaders agreed to ensure the effective implementation of high-level agreements and plans, particularly the outcomes of the 2025 high-level meeting between the two Parties and the third meeting of the top leaders of the Parties of Viet Nam, Laos and Cambodia. They also agreed to deepen cooperation between the CPV and the LPRP through flexible forms of exchanges, joint theoretical work and coordination in organizing major national events, thereby elevating bilateral political relations to a new height.

The pair concurred on the need to intensify communication and education on the history of the Viet Nam–Laos special solidarity, especially among younger generations, to foster pride, responsibility and commitment to preserving this unique, time-honored relationship.

Both sides stressed that defense and security cooperation remains a key pillar of bilateral ties, contributing to a stable and sustainable shared border. They agreed to further enhance defense and security coordination to address increasingly complex challenges and to better link defense and security cooperation with socio-economic development.

Striving for US$10 billion in trade volume

The two leaders also agreed to bolster economic, infrastructure, banking-financial and tourism connectivity; take effective measures to raise bilateral trade to US$5 billion in the near term and aim for US$10 billion in the longer term; improve transport, energy and logistics links; and share experience in macro-economic management and anti-corruption. 

They also agreed to remove bottlenecks to facilitate Viet Nam's investment projects in Laos and ensure the effective implementation of aid-funded projects.

Both sides committed to creating breakthroughs in economic, cultural, scientific and technical cooperation; improving the effectiveness of cooperation in education and human resource development—particularly high-quality personnel training; and strengthening people-to-people and local-to-local exchanges as a strategic pillar of bilateral relations.

The two leaders agreed to maintain close coordination and mutual support at regional and international forums, including ASEAN, and to safeguard each other's legitimate interests in line with international law, including on issues related to the East Sea.

Following their talks, the leaders witnessed the exchange of 12 important cooperation documents between ministries, agencies and localities of the two countries in the fields of defence, security, health, justice, education and training, finance and banking, and strategic infrastructure. These documents provide a legal foundation and fresh momentum for deepening the Viet Nam–Laos partnership in the new period./.