Prime Minister Le Minh Hung said at a reception in Hanoi on October 14 that Vietnam always attaches importance to and gives top priority to its great friendship, special solidarity, comprehensive cooperation and strategic cohesion with Laos.
Hung reaffirmed Vietnam's strong support for Laos' renewal, nation-building and development. He expressed Vietnam's desire to work with Laos to translate high-level agreements into concrete actions, strengthen economic ties and infrastructure connectivity, and promote practical cooperation projects that benefit people in both countries.
He congratulated the Lao Party, State and people on their recent achievements and expressed confidence that, under the leadership of the Lao People's Revolutionary Party, Laos will successfully implement the resolution of its 12th National Party Congress and the 2026–2030 five-year socio-economic development plan.
Hung said bilateral cooperation had become more innovative, substantive and effective. He called on both sides to improve implementation of high-level agreements and translate strategic cohesion into tangible projects and benefits.
The Prime Minister urged the two countries to maintain regular high-level exchanges and contacts, effectively implement the Vietnam–Laos Cooperation Strategy for 2021–2030, the bilateral governmental cooperation agreement for 2026–2030 and other commitments, and expand consultations and development experience sharing.
Regarding key joint projects, Hung called for faster progress on transport links, including the Hanoi–Vientiane expressway and the Vientiane–Vung Ang railway, as well as energy connectivity projects. He also stressed the need to launch the Laos–Vietnam Friendship University project soon.
He urged the two countries to strengthen defence and security cooperation, build a peaceful, friendly, stable and developing border, and make breakthroughs in economic, trade and investment ties and connectivity between their economies. He also called for expanded cooperation in education and training, science and technology, culture, tourism and local-level exchanges, alongside mutual support at regional and international forums, particularly ASEAN, the United Nations and Mekong subregional cooperation mechanisms.
Hung highlighted the significance of 2027, which will mark the 65th anniversary of diplomatic relations and the 50th anniversary of the signing of the Vietnam–Laos Treaty of Friendship and Cooperation. He called for thorough preparations for meaningful activities under the Vietnam–Laos Year of Friendship and Strategic Cohesion. The activities should focus on the people, especially younger generations, and help preserve and pass on awareness of the two countries' special ties.
He thanked the Lao Party, State and people for their warm and thoughtful reception during his recent official visit to Laos. He said the visit had helped consolidate political trust, deepen understanding between the countries' senior leaders and create fresh momentum for bilateral cooperation. Agreements signed and exchanged during the visit had also strengthened the legal framework for ministries, sectors, localities and businesses to translate high-level commitments into concrete programmes and projects.
The Lao official congratulated Vietnam on its achievements and expressed confidence that, under the leadership of the Communist Party of Vietnam, the country will attain further successes and fulfil the goals set by its 14th National Party Congress.
Briefing the host on the situation in Laos, he expressed deep gratitude for Vietnam's valuable support during Laos' past struggle for national liberation and its current process of national construction, defence and development.
He affirmed Laos' determination to preserve and promote the bilateral relationship, describing it as an invaluable asset and an important foundation for the stability and development of both countries.
He also reaffirmed Laos' commitment to close coordination with Vietnam on regional and international issues of shared concern, including information sharing and coordination of positions at multilateral forums such as ASEAN. He said this would contribute to peace and stability and promote cooperation and development in the region.
Both sides expressed confidence that, with strong political determination and close coordination at all levels, Vietnam–Laos relations will continue to deepen and deliver practical results, meeting the aspirations of their peoples and contributing to peace, stability and development in the region and the world.
Sources: VietnamPlus / Vietnam News Agency
