During a meeting in Vientiane on October 8, Vietnamese Prime Minister Lê Minh Hưng and Lao National Assembly President Sonexay Siphandone reaffirmed their commitment to strengthening the bilateral relations and strategic partnership between Vietnam and Laos. This meeting marked Hưng’s first official visit to Laos since becoming the Vietnamese Prime Minister, highlighting the importance both nations place on their enduring friendship.
The leaders underscored the progress made in various areas such as political relations, defense, security, foreign affairs, trade, and investment. They also recognized the significance of cooperation in education, transport, energy, culture, and people-to-people exchanges in bolstering their bilateral ties.
Both sides agreed to focus on implementing existing agreements and commitments by translating diplomatic understanding into tangible outcomes. Emphasis was placed on improving the business environment, addressing regulatory challenges, and accelerating key economic cooperation projects to foster investment between the two countries. Prime Minister Hưng urged the Lao National Assembly to support policies that would facilitate mobilizing resources and enhancing development project implementation, benefiting businesses operating in both Vietnam and Laos.
Furthermore, the leaders highlighted the importance of strengthened cooperation between their national legislatures through delegation exchanges, shared legislative experiences, and coordinated efforts in regional and international parliamentary forums. People-to-people exchanges, especially among younger generations, were also identified as a priority to promote awareness of the shared history and deepen public understanding of their longstanding friendship.
Preparations for the Vietnam–Laos and Laos–Vietnam Year of Solidarity, Friendship, and Cohesion in 2027 were discussed, which will commemorate the 65th anniversary of diplomatic relations and the 50th anniversary of the Treaty of Amity and Cooperation. Both leaders reaffirmed the strategic importance of maintaining strong bilateral ties amid changing regional and international conditions, pledging continued coordination on development priorities and the implementation of agreements to deliver tangible benefits to their citizens.