Photo: THUY NGUYEN

Good traditional relationship, loyal and pure attachment between the two countriesVietnam and LaosThe relationship was founded and nurtured by President Ho Chi Minh, President Kaysone Phomvihane and President Souphanouvong. It has become a valuable asset of the two peoples, a common law of development and a decisive factor in the victory of each country's revolution.

As two neighboring countries with mountains and rivers connected by a strip of land, both leaning against the majestic Truong Son mountain range,Vietnam and Laoshave similarities and overlaps in economics, culture, society, and politics.

Since officially establishing diplomatic relations in 1962, the two countries have together overcome many ups and downs of history, always preserving and constantly cultivating the relationship to become increasingly close.

The State visit to Laos by President Luong Cuong took place in the context of the great friendship, special solidarity and comprehensive cooperation between Vietnam and Laos continuing to develop well. Political relations are increasingly close and trustworthy; Party channel cooperation plays a role in guiding the relationship between the two countries. The two sides successfully organized the Meeting between the two Politburoes 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; regularly exchanging visits.

Economic, trade and investment cooperation between the two countries has seen many positive changes. 2024 marked a vibrant year when the total two-way trade turnover reached 2.2 billion USD, an increase of 33.9% compared to 2023; the first three months of 2025 reached 980.1 million USD, an increase of 105.5% compared to the same period last year. The two sides strive to increase the two-way trade turnover to 5 billion USD in the next two to three years. Currently, Vietnam has 267 investment projects in Laos, with a total registered capital of 5.63 billion USD.

As an important pillar in Vietnam-Laos relations,defense-security cooperationcontinue to be enhanced in both quality and quantity. The two sides actively implement 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 continue to provide the number of scholarships requested by Laos to increase the connection between the young generations of the two countries and build a loyal, pure relationship and special solidarity between the two countries.

The two sides have increased mutual support at regional and international forums, especially ASEAN, the United Nations and cooperation in the Mekong sub-regional mechanisms. In 2024, Vietnam supported and assisted Laos in successfully assuming the role of ASEAN Chair and Chairman 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 history and achievements of cooperation, the people of Vietnam and Laos can be proud of the formation and development of the special and rare relationship between the two nations. That is the important foundation and great source of strength for the two countries to continue writing new chapters for friendship and close cooperation.

President Luong Cuong's State visit to Laos 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 enhance trust and solidarity between the two countries' senior leaders; promote good cooperation between the Vietnamese and Lao governments; and affirm Vietnam's support for Laos in the process of innovation, international integration and towards the successful organization of the 12th National Congress of the Lao People's Revolutionary Party.

Wishing President Luong Cuong's visit a great success, bringing the Vietnam-Laos relationship to continue to develop sustainably, increasingly in-depth, effective and practical, bringing prosperity to the people of each country, contributing to peace, stability, cooperation and development in the region and the world.

According to Nhan Dan Newspaper