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, underscoring the commitment of both nations to enhance their bilateral relations. This marks Hưng’s first visit to Laos since taking office as the Prime Minister of Vietnam, where both leaders celebrated the enduring friendship and strategic partnership between their countries.
The discussions highlighted progress in various areas including political relations, defense, security, foreign affairs, trade, and investment. There was also a focus on further cooperation in education, transport, energy, culture, and people-to-people exchanges, which are seen as vital components of the Vietnam-Laos relationship.
Both leaders agreed to implement existing agreements and commitments made by their senior officials, with an emphasis on converting diplomatic understanding into concrete results. They acknowledged the need to enhance the business environment, tackle regulatory challenges, and expedite key economic projects to stimulate investment across both nations.
Prime Minister Hưng urged the Lao National Assembly to support policies that would facilitate the mobilization of resources, improve the execution of development projects, and create favorable conditions for Vietnamese and Lao businesses in each other’s markets. The importance of stronger cooperation between national legislatures was also stressed, including the exchange of delegations and sharing of legislative experiences.
People-to-people exchanges, especially among the younger generations, were identified as a priority to promote awareness of the shared history and to strengthen public understanding of the longstanding friendship. Preparations for the Vietnam–Laos and Laos–Vietnam Year of Solidarity, Friendship, and Cohesion in 2027 were also discussed, 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 in light of evolving regional and international conditions. They pledged to continue coordinating on development priorities and to implement agreements that will deliver tangible benefits to the people of both countries.