Deputy Minister of Foreign Affairs Nguyen Manh Cuong emphasized that this is one of Vietnam’s most significant diplomatic missions in 2025 and marks General Secretary To Lam’s first official visit to Laos in his new capacity.

The visit takes place at a crucial moment as Laos celebrates its half-century of independence (December 2, 1975 – December 2, 2025) and as both countries prepare for Party Congresses scheduled for 2026.

It continues to reaffirm the unwavering commitment of both Parties and States to preserving and enhancing the great friendship, special solidarity, and comprehensive cooperation between Vietnam and Laos, in line with shared strategic interests for a new era.

“Vietnam and Laos share a truly unique relationship in global diplomacy,” said Deputy Minister Cuong. “As close neighbors with a long history of mutual support in nation-building and defense, our ties - first laid by President Ho Chi Minh and Lao leaders Kaysone Phomvihane and Souphanouvong - have grown stronger through generations and yielded remarkable achievements.”

A major highlight of the trip will be the high-level meeting between the Communist Party of Vietnam and the Lao People’s Revolutionary Party, which serves as the most important mechanism in bilateral relations.

Leaders from both sides will share updates on their respective Parties and nations, assess past cooperation, and set forward-looking strategies for long-term, strategic development.

Strengthening long-standing trust and shaping future prosperity

During the visit, General Secretary To Lam will also hold talks and meet with top Lao leaders and attend the official celebration of the 50th anniversary of Lao National Day - one of the country’s most significant commemorative events this year.

Through meaningful and diverse activities, the visit is expected to reaffirm shared high-level consensus and the enduring message that the Vietnam–Laos friendship is a priceless treasure. As President Ho Chi Minh once said, the bond is “deeper than the waters of the Red and Mekong Rivers.”

Deputy Minister Cuong noted that bilateral relations have reached new heights in recent years, demonstrating the vitality and depth of the great friendship, special solidarity, and comprehensive cooperation between the two nations.

The most outstanding achievement is the close and reliable political and diplomatic ties, which remain a hallmark and guiding light for broader bilateral engagement. High-level contacts between Party, State, National Assembly, and Government leaders continue actively and flexibly across various platforms.

In defense and security, cooperation remains a strategic pillar. Both sides have maintained robust coordination mechanisms, information exchange, and joint border patrols. They also work closely on transnational crime prevention and personnel training.

On the economic front, both countries are making efforts to upgrade cooperation and launch breakthrough projects, particularly in infrastructure connectivity (expressways and railways), energy, trade, investment, high-quality human resource development, and sustainable supply chains.

In the first ten months of 2025, bilateral trade reached nearly USD 2.5 billion, a 50.4% increase from 2024, making Vietnam Laos’ third-largest trading partner. The two sides aim to reach USD 5 billion soon, with a long-term target of USD 10 billion.

Vietnam currently has 274 active investment projects in Laos, with a total registered capital of over USD 5.8 billion. Several completed infrastructure projects reflect growing strategic connectivity and are expected to bring shared prosperity to both nations.

Other key areas such as education and training, culture, transportation, energy, and agriculture have also seen encouraging progress.

People-to-people exchanges and local cooperation continue to expand, strengthening mutual understanding and attachment, especially among younger generations.

At regional and global forums, including ASEAN, the United Nations, and sub-regional cooperation frameworks, Vietnam and Laos maintain close coordination, consistently supporting each other and advocating common views on peace, stability, and sustainable development.

With a foundation of deep political trust and vast potential for collaboration, Deputy Minister Cuong believes General Secretary To Lam’s state visit will leave a lasting mark and create new momentum for both nations’ development in the evolving geopolitical landscape.

Tran Thuong