KPL
President of the National Assembly of the Lao PDR Sonexay Siphandone and Chairman of the National Assembly of Vietnam Tran Thanh Man held talks in Hanoi on November 3, 2026, pledging to strengthen parliamentary cooperation, improve legislative oversight and advance key bilateral infrastructure projects.
The meeting took place during President Sonexay Siphandone's official visit to Vietnam, his first overseas trip since being elected President of the 10th National Assembly of the Lao PDR.
Both sides briefed each other on their respective political, economic and social developments over the first nine months of 2026. Vietnam recorded economic growth of 9.01%, while Laos achieved GDP growth of 4.8%, maintained political stability and brought average inflation to 7.8%, alongside efforts to streamline central and local administrative structures.
NA President Sonexay praised the progress made in parliamentary cooperation between the two countries, particularly through exchanges of high-level delegations, mutual support at regional and international parliamentary forums, and the publication of a historical book marking 50 years of cooperation between the two National Assemblies.
Looking ahead, he proposed designating 2027 as a year of joint parliamentary oversight of strategic transport infrastructure projects, with both legislatures working together to monitor progress, address challenges and accelerate implementation.
The proposed projects include the Vientiane–Hanoi Expressway, the Vientiane–Thakhek–Vung Ang Railway and the development of Vung Ang Deep-Sea Port in Vietnam.
He also called for stronger cooperation between provincial people's councils in border areas and proposed renewing and extending the memorandum of understanding on cooperation between the two National Assemblies, which is due to expire in 2027.
The two sides also discussed preparations for 2027, which will mark the 65th anniversary of diplomatic relations and the 50th anniversary of the Lao–Vietnam Treaty of Amity and Cooperation. Both countries are expected to organise activities to celebrate these milestones and further strengthen their longstanding friendship and solidarity.
NA President Sonexay further requested Vietnam's support in strengthening the capacity of Lao parliamentary officials, particularly in local administration, digital transformation, legal database development and the application of artificial intelligence in legislative and parliamentary operations.
The meeting reaffirmed the commitment of the two National Assemblies to further strengthening their close cooperation and contributing to the special solidarity and comprehensive cooperation between Laos and Vietnam.
KPL
