Vietnam cements great friendship with Laos in Party chief’s state visit

Vietnam reaffirmed its great friendship with Laos through the latest state visit by General Secretary To Lam.

The general secretary and his spouse arrived in Vientiane today (December 1) for a two-day visit and to attend the 50th anniversary celebration of Lao National Day at the invitation of Lao General Secretary and President Thongloun Sisoulith and his spouse.

This visit is one of Vietnam’s most important diplomatic events in 2025 and marks General Secretary To Lam’s first state visit to Laos since assuming his post in August 2024.

It takes place as Laos celebrates its 50th National Day and as both Parties prepare for their national congresses in early 2026.

Following the welcome ceremony, General Secretary To Lam and President Thongloun Sisoulith co-chaired a high-level meeting between the Communist Party of Vietnam and the Lao People’s Revolutionary Party.

The two leaders witnessed the signing of several new cooperation agreements, including the 2026 cooperation plan between the ministries of Public Security, which covers the development of the Lao Ministry of Public Security’s Command Center, and the 2026 cooperation plan between the two ministries of National Defense.

Other agreements include a memorandum of understanding on the Vietnam–Laos Friendship Route project between the Vietnamese Ministry of Public Security and the Lao Ministry of National Defense, a 2026–2030 cooperation plan between the two ministries of Foreign Affairs and a 2026–2030 cooperation agreement between the two ministries of Justice.

Additional agreements were signed on priority banking cooperation for 2026–2030, an industrial linkage chain between the two ministries of Industry and Trade, and a cooperation agreement between the Vietnam Television and the Lao Party’s Propaganda and Training Board.

Thanh Hoa Province and Houaphanh Province agreed on a 2026–2030 cooperation plan, while the central coastal city of Danang and Sekong Province exchanged an MoU to strengthen socioeconomic cooperation and border security.

In recent years, Vietnam and Laos have expanded cooperation in politics, defense, security, and economic connectivity.

Major transport projects, including expressways and railways, are underway to link the two economies, along with energy, trade, investment, and high-quality human resource development.

Vietnam currently has 274 investment projects in Laos with total registered capital exceeding US$5.8 billion. Strong collaboration also continues in education, culture, and agriculture.

Great friendship

The visit reaffirms both Parties’ determination to advance a friendship described as “great,” together with special solidarity and comprehensive cooperation.

It underscores their shared commitment to building substantive, sustainable bilateral ties suited to new strategic realities.

Vietnam and Laos share a unique relationship founded by President Ho Chi Minh, President Kaysone Phomvihane, and President Souphanouvong.

This bond has been strengthened through generations of leaders and citizens, enduring challenges and producing meaningful achievements.

To mark the occasion, General Secretary To Lam published an article in the Lao newspaper Pasaxon titled “50 years of the Lao People’s Democratic Republic: Fortitude, vision and achievements that mark an era”.

The article reviews Laos’ development over five decades and highlights the significance of Vietnam–Laos relations.

He wrote that 50 years ago, the Lao People’s Revolutionary Party led the people to seize power, end the monarchy, and liberate the country from feudal, imperialist, and colonial rule.

The establishment of the Lao PDR in 1975 opened a new era of independence, freedom, and development.

He noted that after nearly 40 years of renewal, Laos has transitioned from an agriculture-dependent economy to one that is more self-reliant.

Laos now exports agricultural products, maintains political and social stability, ensures national defense and security, sustains economic growth, and improves living standards.

Per capita income has increased nearly twenty-fold, and Laos maintains diplomatic relations with 151 nations, engages with more than 150 political parties, and operates 41 diplomatic missions overseas.

He said Laos has implemented the Resolution of the 11th Party Congress, strengthened national unity, advanced socioeconomic development, and raised its international standing.

The strategy to build a land-linked country supported by regional connectivity corridors is generating significant new momentum.

He emphasized that Laos’ 50-year journey is also a story of the deepening Vietnam–Laos relationship. The two countries fought side by side during wartime, shared hardship, and supported each other’s struggles for independence.

President Ho Chi Minh’s guidance that “the happiness and prosperity of the Lao people are also our own” remains a guiding principle, Lam said.

He wrote that both countries are preparing for their 2026 Party congresses amid a complex global environment that highlights the importance of strengthening their special ties.

“Vietnam and Laos will continue to strengthen solidarity, deepen economic, defense, security, and infrastructure cooperation, and expand ties in politics, education, health, culture, and human resource development,” he stated.

General Secretary To Lam expressed confidence in Laos’ future on the occasion of its 50th National Day and the 105th birthday of President Kaysone Phomvihane.

“Vietnam reaffirms its commitment to nurture the Vietnam–Laos friendship everlasting,” he wrote.

Lao General Secretary and President Thongloun Sisoulith praised the importance of General Secretary To Lam’s visit, saying it reflects Vietnam’s deep respect for the great friendship, special solidarity, and comprehensive cooperation between the two nations.

He emphasized that the presence of General Secretary To Lam, his spouse, and the high-level Vietnamese delegation during this major celebration is a great honor for the Lao Party, State, and people.

President Thongloun expressed gratitude for Vietnam’s consistent support for Laos’ national defense and development efforts.

He said Vietnam’s achievements in renewal and its growing international standing offer valuable lessons for Laos.

The Lao leader also congratulated Vietnam on the success of major national celebrations and important multilateral events, including hosting the UN Cybercrime Convention signing ceremony in Hanoi in October.

He acknowledged Vietnam’s progress in implementing the Resolution of the 13th Party Congress and its preparations for the 14th National Party Congress.

President Thongloun conveyed the Lao people’s sympathy for the recent storm and flood losses in Vietnam and affirmed Laos’ readiness to support Vietnam in overcoming difficulties.

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