Photo: THUY NGUYEN

The traditionally good relationship and the loyal, pure bond between the two countries.Vietnam and LaosThis relationship was founded and nurtured by President Ho Chi Minh, President Kaysone Phomvihane, and President Souphanouvong. It has become a valuable asset for both nations, a common law of development, and a decisive factor in the success of each country's revolution.

As two neighboring countries sharing a common border and both nestled against the majestic Truong Son mountain range,Vietnam and LaosThere are similarities and overlaps in economic, cultural, social, and political aspects.

Since officially establishing diplomatic relations in 1962, the two countries have weathered many ups and downs of history together, always preserving and continuously nurturing their relationship to become increasingly close.

President Luong Cuong's State visit to Laos takes place in the context of the continued positive development of the great friendship, special solidarity, and comprehensive cooperation between Vietnam and Laos. Political relations are increasingly close and trustworthy; cooperation through the Party plays a guiding role in the relationship between the two countries. The two sides successfully organized the meeting between the Politburo of Vietnam and Laos in September 2024, the 47th session of the Vietnam-Laos Intergovernmental Committee in January 2025, and the meeting between the three leaders of the three Parties of Vietnam, Laos, and Cambodia in February 2025; and regularly exchange visits.

Economic, trade, and investment cooperation between the two countries has seen many positive developments. 2024 marked a vibrant year with total bilateral trade reaching US$2.2 billion, a 33.9% increase compared to 2023; the first three months of 2025 reached US$980.1 million, a 105.5% increase compared to the same period the previous year. Both sides aim to increase bilateral trade to US$5 billion in the next two to three years. Currently, Vietnam has 267 investment projects in Laos, with a total registered capital of US$5.63 billion.

As an important pillar in Vietnam-Laos relations,defense and security cooperationThe quality and quantity of cooperation continue to be enhanced. Both sides are actively implementing the signed agreements and cooperation plans.

Cooperation in the fields of culture, education, and training between the two countries continues to be promoted. In 2025, Vietnam will provide 1,160 scholarships for Lao officials, students, and pupils to study in Vietnam, and will continue to grant scholarships as requested by Laos to strengthen ties between the young generations of the two countries and build a loyal, pure, and special relationship of solidarity between the two nations.

Both sides have strengthened mutual support in regional and international forums, especially ASEAN, the United Nations, and cooperation within the Mekong sub-regional mechanisms. In 2024, Vietnam supported Laos in successfully assuming the chairmanship of ASEAN and the chairmanship of the ASEAN Inter-Parliamentary Assembly (AIPA). Laos was also one of the first countries to support Vietnam's re-election to the United Nations Human Rights Council for the 2026-2028 term.

Looking back at the glorious historical journey and the achievements of cooperation, the people of Vietnam and Laos can be truly proud of the formation and development of the special and rare relationship between the two nations. This is the important foundation and a great source of strength for the two countries to write new chapters in their enduring friendship and cooperation.

The State visit to Laos by President Luong Cuong affirms Vietnam's consistent policy of valuing and prioritizing the great friendship, special solidarity, and comprehensive cooperation between Vietnam and Laos.

The visit aims to strengthen trust and close ties between the high-level leaders of the two countries; promote good cooperation between the Governments of Vietnam and Laos, and affirm Vietnam's support for Laos in its reform and international integration process, and towards the successful organization of the 12th Congress of the Lao People's Revolutionary Party.

We wish President Luong Cuong's visit great success, that it will further develop the Vietnam-Laos relationship sustainably, making it deeper, more effective, and practical, bringing prosperity to the people of each country, and contributing to peace, stability, cooperation, and development in the region and the world.

According to Nhan Dan Newspaper