On February 13, General Secretary To Lam, President Luong Cuong, and Prime Minister Pham Minh Chinh welcomed Lao Foreign Minister Thongsavanh Phomvihane on his official visit to Vietnam.

General Secretary To Lam emphasized the importance of the visit, highlighting that it serves as a crucial opportunity for both nations to further enhance their unique and time-honored relationship. He reaffirmed that Vietnam and Laos will forever preserve and strengthen their great friendship, special solidarity, and comprehensive cooperation across all sectors in a practical and effective manner.

To Lam urged the two Foreign Ministries to collaborate closely with other relevant agencies to ensure the best preparations for upcoming high-level visits and diplomatic engagements.

Foreign Minister Thongsavanh Phomvihane expressed gratitude for Vietnam’s continuous support and timely assistance to Laos. He emphasized that Vietnam-Laos relations are at their strongest, and Laos is committed to working closely with Vietnam to effectively implement key agreements, including those between the two Politburos and the 47th Vietnam-Laos Intergovernmental Committee Meeting.

Expanding bilateral cooperation

During his meeting with Foreign Minister Phomvihane, President Luong Cuong expressed confidence that the Lao official’s experience and dedication would significantly contribute to strengthening ties between the two nations.

Cuong highly praised the cooperation between the two Foreign Ministries, recognizing their role in enhancing bilateral relations. He also acknowledged Lao government efforts in supporting the Vietnamese community in Laos, ensuring they can live and work stably.

Defense and security cooperation remains a pillar of Vietnam-Laos relations, alongside strong economic, trade, and investment growth. Vietnamese business investments in Laos continue to rise, with increasing local-level exchanges and people-to-people ties fostering greater unity.

Both leaders emphasized the importance of educating future generations about the special Vietnam-Laos relationship, which has been built through shared struggles for independence and national development. They also discussed plans to co-host major commemorative events in 2025, and Cuong accepted an invitation from Lao President Thongloun Sisoulith to visit Laos soon.

Vietnam reaffirms its commitment to supporting Laos

During his meeting with Foreign Minister Phomvihane, Prime Minister Pham Minh Chinh expressed his joy over Laos’ recent achievements and reaffirmed that Vietnam is ready to support Laos within its capacity, based on the spirit of mutual solidarity and brotherhood.

Chinh emphasized that Vietnam-Laos relations are unparalleled in the world, describing them as a "one-of-a-kind" friendship. In 2024, bilateral trade reached $2.25 billion, a 38.2% increase from 2023, with a target of $5 billion in the coming years. Vietnam remains Laos’ third-largest foreign investor, with 267 projects totaling $5.7 billion in registered capital.

The Prime Minister highlighted the crucial role of the two Foreign Ministries in driving intergovernmental cooperation, ensuring the effective implementation of agreements, and resolving challenges in key joint projects. He called for continued efforts to facilitate business investments, particularly in energy, mining, industry, tourism, and education.

Chinh also urged both sides to accelerate strategic projects, particularly transportation and economic connectivity initiatives, which will strengthen regional integration and boost economic development.

Foreign Minister Thongsavanh Phomvihane agreed with Prime Minister Chinh’s directives and pledged that the Lao Ministry of Foreign Affairs would work closely with other agencies to effectively implement high-level agreements, particularly those stemming from the recent Politburo meeting and the 47th Vietnam-Laos Intergovernmental Committee.

Tran Thuong