Viet Nam, Laos create strong breakthroughs in bilateral cooperation

Speaking ahead of the visit — the first by General Secretary To Lam to Laos since assuming office — the Deputy Minister underscored the trip's special timing, as the two Parties are preparing for their National Party Congresses in 2026 that will define long-term strategic directions for national development.

According to Nguyen, the visit also reflects the strong political commitment of both Parties and States to preserving and further advancing their great friendship, special solidarity, and comprehensive cooperation — a relationship he described as "unique in international relations." Founded by President Ho Chi Minh and Lao Presidents Kaysone Phomvihane and Souphanouvong, the ties have been nurtured by generations of leaders and citizens, yielding remarkable achievements across multiple fields.

A key event of the visit will be the high-level meeting between the Communist Party of Viet Nam and the Lao People's Revolutionary Party — the most important cooperation mechanism between the two Parties and countries.

The meeting will serve as a platform to discuss national developments, review bilateral cooperation, and outline long-term strategic orientations that benefit both peoples. Nguyen expressed his belief that the outcomes of the meeting will lay a solid foundation for closer coordination in national construction and defence in the new period.

During the visit, General Secretary To Lam is also expected to hold talks with senior Lao leaders and attend the grand ceremony marking Laos's 50th National Day.

Highlights of Viet Nam–Laos relations

Nguyen highlighted that the close, highly trusted political and diplomatic ties remain a defining feature of bilateral relations. High-level exchanges between the two Parties, States, and legislatures continue to be conducted flexibly and promptly, while regular delegation visits across various levels and sectors further strengthen political trust, bolster strategic cohesion, and support the effective implementation of established cooperation mechanisms.

Defence and security cooperation — a central pillar of the relationship — has been maintained effectively through joint border patrols, information sharing, personnel training, and close coordination in combating transnational crime. These efforts have helped safeguard peace and stability in both nations.

Economic cooperation has also expanded significantly, particularly in strategic connectivity projects in transport, energy, trade, and investment. Bilateral trade in the first ten months of 2025 reached nearly US$2.5 billion, up 50.4 percent year on year, making Viet Nam Laos' third-largest trading partner. Vietnamese firms are currently operating 274 investment projects in Laos with total registered capital of more than US$5.8 billion.

Cooperation in education, culture, agriculture, energy, and transport continues to produce encouraging outcomes. People-to-people exchanges and local-level partnerships are expanding, deepening mutual understanding and strengthening bonds between younger generations. Meanwhile, at multilateral forums, the two countries maintain close coordination and support each other's positions within ASEAN, the UN, and sub-regional mechanisms.

With this strong foundation of political trust, growing economic linkages, and shared strategic priorities, the Deputy Foreign Minister expressed confidence that General Secretary Lam's state visit will mark a new milestone in Viet Nam–Laos relations. He said the visit will inject fresh momentum into comprehensive cooperation, contributing to the prosperity of both nations and to peace, stability, and sustainable development in the region and beyond./.