(KPL) The talks took place during Pham Gia Tuc’s official visit to the Lao PDR at the invitation of Saleumxay Kommasith. The two sides discussed measures to further strengthen the great friendship, special solidarity, comprehensive cooperation and strategic partnership between Laos and Vietnam.

The two sides briefed each other on their respective domestic situations and socio-economic development and reviewed implementation of the 2026 bilateral cooperation plan between the two governments.

They noted continued progress in cooperation under the guidance of the two Parties and States, with ministries, agencies and local authorities maintaining close coordination in various fields.

Political and foreign affairs cooperation continued to deepen through regular exchanges of high-level leaders and delegations at central and local levels. Defence and security cooperation also remained close and effective, serving as an important pillar of bilateral relations.

Education and human resource development remained a priority. Vietnam provided 1,300 scholarships to Lao students in 2026 for study at Vietnamese educational institutions, while the two sides continued efforts to advance the construction of the Laos-Vietnam Friendship University.

In investment, Vietnamese enterprises continued to expand their activities in Laos, particularly in sectors with development potential and opportunities to apply modern and environmentally friendly technologies. Vietnamese investment in Laos currently comprises 435 projects with a combined approved value of US$8 billion, ranking second among 53 countries investing in the Lao PDR.

During the first eight months of 2026, the Lao government approved six projects by Vietnamese enterprises worth a combined US$4.7 billion.

Bilateral trade reached US$1.8 billion during the first eight months of 2026.

The two sides also agreed to continue promoting several key projects that have experienced slow progress, including the Vientiane-Hanoi Expressway, Vientiane-Vung Ang Railway, electricity trading, and petroleum pipeline and storage facilities.

The delegations also discussed preparations for the planned official visit to the Lao PDR by Vietnamese Prime Minister Le Minh Hung.

Saleumxay welcomed Pham Gia Tuc and his delegation, expressing confidence that the visit would contribute to further deepening bilateral relations and achieving practical results for the two countries.

He also congratulated Pham Gia Tuc on his appointment as Deputy Prime Minister and Permanent Member of the Government of Vietnam.

KPL