In Vientiane, leaders of the two nations charted a course for broader strategic cooperation and a new trade target.
This afternoon in Vientiane, the capital of Laos, a high-level meeting took place between the Communist Party of Vietnam and the Lao People's Revolutionary Party, co-chaired by General Secretary To Lam and General Secretary, President of Laos Thongloun Sisoulith.
During the meeting, the two leaders praised the significant, comprehensive, and historically meaningful achievements made by both parties, states, and peoples of the two countries.
General Secretary To Lam and Lao President Thongloun Sisoulith. Photo: VNA
They emphasized the importance of the special Vietnam–Laos relationship amid fast-evolving and complex regional and international dynamics.
Both sides noted the successful implementation of high-level agreements. Ministries, agencies, localities, and businesses from both countries have proactively carried out cooperation memoranda with effectiveness and practicality.
Close political ties remain the foundation that continues to drive comprehensive cooperation in all areas. The two leaders highlighted the growing strength and effectiveness of defense and security cooperation, identifying it as a core pillar in bilateral relations. The countries have jointly implemented numerous projects that support Laos in enhancing its defense and security capabilities, along with high-quality cooperation plans and programs.
Vietnam and Laos continue to work together on the search, identification, and repatriation of remains of Vietnamese volunteer soldiers and experts who sacrificed their lives in Laos.
The two nations are also expanding trilateral cooperation with Cambodia, aligning with outcomes from recent high-level party meetings, and agreeing on a shared development vision. Priority is placed on the strategic, close-knit relations among the three countries.
This meeting serves as the highest-level cooperation mechanism, playing a crucial strategic role in shaping and deepening Vietnam–Laos relations.
Economic, trade, and investment cooperation remains a key focus, with several positive developments. The top leaders have closely directed major joint projects to ensure timely execution and improve the lives of citizens in both countries.
Cultural, educational, and scientific-technical exchanges have been actively promoted and have yielded practical results. Cooperation between party agencies, government bodies, and mass organizations, along with people-to-people exchanges from central to local levels, has been strengthened.
Both leaders committed to further deepening the great friendship, special solidarity, and comprehensive strategic partnership between Vietnam and Laos through existing and new cooperation mechanisms.
The summit provides strategic direction for deepening Vietnam–Laos relations. Photo: VNA
The leaders witnessed the signing of the 2026 memorandum of understanding between the two Politburos.
They pledged to take the Vietnam–Laos party and state relationship to greater depth, identifying it as the strategic compass for overall bilateral cooperation. Both sides reaffirmed their consistent stance of mutual support and solidarity.
Vietnam–Laos relations are a top foreign policy priority for both countries - a model of long-term strategic partnership and a vital element in each nation's revolutionary journey.
The two countries will continue to align on strategic issues concerning security and development and are preparing for successful organization of their respective national Party Congresses.
The leaders underscored the strategic importance of strengthening cooperation in defense, security, and foreign affairs - foundational pillars of their special relationship.
Vietnam and Laos also agreed to consider establishing new mechanisms suited to current needs. They will continue to share information, consult on policy positions, and support each other at regional and international forums.
Pushing bilateral trade toward USD 10 billion
General Secretary To Lam and Lao President Thongloun Sisoulith at the signing ceremony. Photo: VNAPhoto: VNA
At the summit, Prime Minister Pham Minh Chinh and Lao Prime Minister Sonexay Siphandone acknowledged the progress made in bilateral cooperation.
On the economic front, both sides agreed to enhance trade and investment cooperation as a strategic pillar of Vietnam–Laos connectivity. They committed to deeper integration between their economies and to addressing implementation challenges.
They exchanged views on new directions and measures to improve the effectiveness of economic cooperation, with a strong emphasis on transformative breakthroughs in trade and investment. The goal is to elevate these sectors to become strategic connectors matching the political ties and potential of both nations.
The two countries set a goal of quickly raising bilateral trade to USD 5 billion and progressing toward USD 10 billion.
They pledged to resolve lingering issues, prioritize key infrastructure connectivity projects such as the Hanoi–Vientiane expressway, and push forward the
Vietnam–Laos industrial park and border economic zone models along the East-West Economic Corridor.
Vietnam and Laos also plan to improve the investment environment and infrastructure to foster sustainable enterprise development and enhance mutual support.
The two sides agreed to broaden cooperation among party agencies, state bodies, the front, mass organizations, and civil society groups. They aim to strengthen joint efforts in economic and social development, as well as ensure border area stability and security.
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