Vietnam, Laos Vow to Deepen Strategic Cohesion and Comprehensive Cooperation
Hanoi, The Gulf Observer: Vietnam and Laos have reaffirmed their commitment to strengthening their great friendship, special solidarity, comprehensive cooperation and strategic cohesion, with Vietnamese Prime Minister Lê Minh Hưng emphasising that relations with Laos remain a top priority for Vietnam.
The Vietnamese prime minister made the remarks during a reception in Hà Nội on Wednesday for Vilay Lakhamfong, Politburo member and Standing Member of the Secretariat of the Central Committee of the Lao People’s Revolutionary Party (LPRP).
Prime Minister Hưng reiterated Vietnam’s strong support for Laos’ renewal, nation-building and development efforts, expressing his country’s readiness to work closely with Laos to translate high-level agreements into concrete actions, strengthen economic ties and infrastructure connectivity, and promote practical cooperation projects that deliver tangible benefits to the people of both countries.
He congratulated the Lao Party, State and people on their recent achievements and expressed confidence that, under the leadership of the LPRP, Laos would successfully implement the resolution of its 12th National Party Congress and the 2026–2030 five-year socio-economic development plan.
Welcoming positive developments in bilateral relations, Hưng observed that cooperation between the two countries had become increasingly innovative, substantive and effective. He called for more effective implementation of high-level agreements and the translation of strategic cohesion into practical projects and tangible benefits.
The prime minister stressed the importance of maintaining regular high-level exchanges and contacts at all levels, effectively implementing the Vietnam–Laos Cooperation Strategy for 2021–2030, the bilateral governmental cooperation agreement for 2026–2030 and other commitments. He also called for enhanced consultations and greater sharing of development experiences.
Regarding strategic infrastructure, Hưng urged both sides to accelerate transport connectivity projects, including the Hà Nội–Vientiane expressway and the Vientiane–Vung Ang railway, alongside energy connectivity initiatives. He also emphasised the need to launch the Laos–Vietnam Friendship University project at the earliest opportunity.
He further called for stronger defence and security cooperation, efforts to maintain a peaceful, friendly and stable border, and breakthroughs in economic, trade and investment relations. The two countries were also encouraged to expand cooperation in education and training, science and technology, culture, tourism and local-level exchanges.
Hưng underscored the importance of mutual support and closer coordination at regional and international forums, particularly within the Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN), the United Nations and Mekong subregional cooperation mechanisms.
Highlighting the significance of 2027, which will mark the 65th anniversary of diplomatic relations between Vietnam and Laos and the 50th anniversary of the signing of the Vietnam–Laos Treaty of Friendship and Cooperation, the prime minister called for thorough preparations for meaningful activities under the Vietnam–Laos Year of Friendship and Strategic Cohesion 2027.
He stressed that these activities should place people, particularly younger generations, at their centre to preserve and pass on an understanding of the special relationship between the two neighbouring countries.
The Vietnamese prime minister also expressed gratitude to the Lao Party, State and people for their warm reception of him and the Vietnamese government delegation during his recent official visit to Laos.
He noted that the visit had helped consolidate political trust, deepen mutual understanding between senior leaders and generate fresh momentum for bilateral cooperation. Agreements signed and exchanged during the visit, he added, had strengthened the legal framework for ministries, sectors, local authorities and businesses to translate high-level commitments into concrete programmes and projects.
For his part, Vilay Lakhamfong congratulated Vietnam on its achievements and expressed confidence that, under the leadership of the Communist Party of Vietnam, the country would achieve further progress and fulfil the objectives set by its 14th National Party Congress.
Briefing the Vietnamese prime minister on developments in Laos, Lakhamfong expressed profound gratitude for Vietnam’s valuable support during Laos’ struggle for national liberation and its ongoing efforts towards national construction, defence and development.
He reaffirmed Laos’ determination to preserve and promote its relationship with Vietnam, describing the longstanding ties as an invaluable asset and a vital foundation for the stability and development of both countries.
The Lao official also pledged close coordination with Vietnam on regional and international issues of mutual concern, including information-sharing and the coordination of positions at multilateral forums such as ASEAN. Such cooperation, he said, would contribute to regional peace and stability while promoting cooperation and development.
Both sides expressed confidence that strong political commitment and close coordination at all levels would further deepen Vietnam–Laos relations, produce practical outcomes that meet the aspirations of their peoples, and contribute to peace, stability and development in the region and beyond.
