The recent official visit to Vietnam by Vilay Lakhamphong, Politburo member and Standing Member of the Lao People's Revolutionary Party Central Committee's Secretariat, provided additional momentum for both sides to implement their agreements, Vietnamese Deputy Foreign Minister Nguyen Manh Cuong said.
In an interview with the Vietnam News Agency after the visit, held from October 14 to 16, Cuong noted that it was Lakhamphong's first overseas trip in his current position. Choosing Vietnam reaffirmed the highest priority both countries attach to their special relationship.
The visit took place as the Communist Party of Vietnam and the Lao People's Revolutionary Party implement resolutions adopted at their 14th and 12th National Party Congresses, respectively.
Choosing Vietnam as the first destination again affirmed the long-term strategic importance of the relationship in both countries' foreign policies. The visit also demonstrated the particularly important guiding role of relations between the two Parties in their overall bilateral ties.
Lakhamphong's talks with his Vietnamese counterpart Tran Cam Tu focused on the main directions for the new term and exchanges of experience in Party building, the political system and cadre work. These areas are fundamental to the development of both countries.
During the visit, both sides affirmed their determination to develop the two countries' great friendship, special solidarity, comprehensive cooperation and strategic cohesion so that their relationship brings practical and sustainable benefits to their peoples.
Lakhamphong held talks with Tran Cam Tu, Politburo member and Permanent Member of the Communist Party of Vietnam Central Committee's Secretariat. He met General Secretary of the CPV Central Committee and President To Lam, Prime Minister Le Minh Hung, National Assembly Chairman Tran Thanh Man, Minister of Public Security Luong Tam Quang and Hanoi Party Committee Secretary Tran Duc Thang. He also held a working session with Bac Ninh city.
Cuong said the meetings took place in a friendly, trusting and frank atmosphere. Both sides reaffirmed their commitment to strengthening political ties and identified the main areas for future cooperation.
In political cooperation, the two countries agreed to maintain high-level exchanges, develop cooperation mechanisms between their Parties, States and legislatures, and expand the sharing of experience in Party building and anti-corruption efforts. They also witnessed the exchange of a cooperation document on digital transformation between the offices of the two Party Central Committees.
In economic cooperation, both sides agreed to prioritise strategic connectivity projects in transport, logistics, energy and the digital economy, address difficulties facing businesses and work towards raising bilateral trade to 5 billion USD.
Human resources development remains a long-term strategic priority, particularly the training of strategic-level officials and young cadres and improving the quality of education for Lao students in Vietnam. Vietnam is also ready to send experts and lecturers to strengthen the capacity of Lao leaders and managers.
The two countries will further promote cooperation between localities, especially border provinces, linking economic development with national defence and security. Cuong expressed Vietnam's appreciation for Laos's assistance in searching for and repatriating the remains of Vietnamese volunteer soldiers and experts who died in Laos.
Both sides also pledged to prepare effectively for the 2027 Vietnam-Laos Year of Friendship and Solidarity. The year will mark the 65th anniversary of diplomatic relations and the 50th anniversary of the Treaty of Amity and Cooperation.
Looking ahead, Cuong stressed that effective implementation of agreements would be the top priority.
First, more attention will be paid to implementation. Each high-level agreement must be translated into concrete actions with clear responsibilities and assessed according to the results achieved.
Second, the two countries intend to strengthen the guiding role of relations between the two Parties, linking it with cooperation between the States, legislatures and peoples, and effectively implement the recently signed document on digital transformation cooperation.
Third, the two countries aim to make clear progress so that economic cooperation increasingly matches the special political nature of their relationship. The focus will be on accelerating strategic connectivity projects, improving the investment and business environment and gradually reaching the trade goals that have been set.
Fourth, the two countries will improve the quality of training cooperation in line with Laos's development needs and use the young leadership training programme of the three Parties of Vietnam, Laos and Cambodia.
Fifth, cooperation between localities, especially border provinces, will be strengthened. Vietnam and Laos will continue close coordination at the United Nations, ASEAN and Mekong subregional cooperation mechanisms for peace, stability and development in the region.
The Foreign Ministry will work with relevant Party agencies, ministries and localities to monitor implementation and prepare practical commemorative activities for 2027, particularly those involving younger generations.
Cuong expressed confidence that, with strong political commitment, Vietnam and Laos would continue supporting each other and preserve their special relationship, which is a valuable asset of both Parties and peoples and a firm foundation for their development.
Sources: VietnamPlus / Vietnam News Agency
