During an official visit to Laos on October 8, Vietnamese Prime Minister Lê Minh Hưng met with Lao National Assembly President Sonexay Siphandone in Vientiane. This visit marked Hưng’s first trip to Laos since becoming prime minister and underscored both countries’ dedication to enhancing their longstanding bilateral relations and achieving practical results through closer cooperation.
The leaders emphasized the historical friendship, special solidarity, and strategic partnership between Vietnam and Laos, highlighting recent progress in political relations, defense, security, foreign affairs, trade, and investment. They acknowledged the significance of cooperation in education, transport, energy, culture, and people-to-people exchanges, all of which contribute to the robust bilateral relationship.
A key focus of the discussions was the implementation of existing agreements and commitments made by senior leaders, with an emphasis on transforming diplomatic understanding into tangible outcomes. Both sides agreed on the importance of improving the business environment, addressing regulatory obstacles, and expediting key economic cooperation projects to attract investment between the two nations.
Prime Minister Hưng urged the Lao National Assembly to support policies that mobilize resources for development projects and create conducive conditions for Vietnamese and Lao businesses operating in each other’s markets. Additionally, the leaders advocated for stronger cooperation between their national legislatures, involving exchanges of delegations and sharing legislative experiences, as well as enhanced coordination at regional and international parliamentary forums.
Emphasizing the importance of people-to-people exchanges, particularly among younger generations, both countries agreed to foster awareness of their shared history and deepen public understanding of their enduring friendship. Preparations are underway for the Vietnam–Laos and Laos–Vietnam Year of Solidarity, Friendship and Cohesion in 2027, which will commemorate the 65th anniversary of diplomatic relations and the 50th anniversary of the Treaty of Amity and Cooperation.
Both leaders reaffirmed the strategic importance of maintaining strong bilateral ties amid changing regional and international conditions. They pledged to continue working together on development priorities and implementing agreements to deliver concrete benefits for the people of both countries.