The visit aims to further strengthen and expand the great friendship, special solidarity, comprehensive cooperation and strategic partnership between Laos and Viet Nam, enabling bilateral relations to continue flourishing and to bring greater practical benefits to the peoples of the two countries. The State visit by General Secretary To Lam represents a new historical milestone in consolidating and enriching the close, enduring and time-tested relationship between the two Parties, States and peoples.

The visit holds special significance as it is the first high-level foreign delegation received by the Lao PDR following the successful conclusion of the 12th National Congress of the Lao People’s Revolutionary Party, and also the first overseas visit by General Secretary To Lam since he assumed office for another term as CPV General Secretary.

During the talks, the two sides expressed their delight and high appreciation for the special relationship and comprehensive cooperation between the Lao PDR and the Socialist Republic of Viet Nam, which has continued to expand in a comprehensive and in-depth manner, advancing to a higher level and achieving new quality across all fields. Political cooperation remains strong, stable and close, characterized by a high level of mutual trust, while cooperation in national defence, security and foreign affairs has been strengthened in a steady and effective manner.

Cooperation in the fields of economy, trade, investment, science and technology, culture and society, education and training, as well as other areas, has continued to grow, delivering tangible benefits to the peoples of both countries.

Both sides reaffirmed their determination to further strengthen and develop the relationship of great friendship, special solidarity, comprehensive cooperation and strategic partnership, making it ever more robust and effective. They highly appreciated the outcomes of the 2026 annual meeting between the Political Departments of Laos and Viet Nam, which set strategic orientations for cooperation in the new period in a more practical and effective manner.

The two sides also commended the success of the 48th Session of the Lao–Viet Nam Intergovernmental Committee for Bilateral Cooperation, which marked new breakthroughs in promoting cooperation projects in the economic, cultural and scientific-technical fields, ensuring steady progress and concrete benefits for the two peoples.

Key cooperation projects discussed include the Vung Ang Port project; the development of the Vientiane–Thakhek–Vung Ang railway line; the construction of a 500-kilovolt power transmission line from northern Laos to northern Viet Nam; the building of the Lao–Viet Nam Friendship Road along approximately 200 kilometres of the border on the Lao side; oil storage facilities or pipeline systems; and the construction of the Lao–Viet Nam Friendship University in the Lao PDR, among others.

Both sides are also making comprehensive preparations for the Lao–Viet Nam Friendship and Solidarity Year 2027, marking the 65th anniversary of the establishment of diplomatic relations and the 50th anniversary of the signing of the Treaty of Friendship and Cooperation, ensuring that the commemorative activities will be rich in content and profound in significance.

In addition, the two leaders exchanged views on regional and international issues of mutual concern.

The talks were held in a warm atmosphere of sincere friendship and mutual trust. Both sides highly valued the fruitful outcomes of the visit and expressed confidence that these achievements would serve as an important driving force for further strengthening the unique and exemplary special relationship between Laos and Viet Nam, enabling it to reach new heights.

During the visit, the Vietnamese Party leader will also witness the signing of important cooperation documents between ministries, agencies and localities of the two countries, creating a solid legal framework and fresh impetus for deeper, more substantive and effective bilateral cooperation.

A key focus of the visit is to further concretise the concept of “strategic cohesion”, agreed upon by General Secretary To Lam and Lao Party General Secretary and President Thongloun Sisoulith in December 2025, as a step towards elevating bilateral relations to a higher level.

KPL