Party chief’s state visit to Laos expected to deepen special relationship: official

As Laos is celebrating the 50th anniversary of its National Day, Party General Secretary To Lam’s upcoming state visit is regarded as one of Vietnam’s most important external activities of 2025, affirming the unwavering resolve of both countries’ leaders to strengthen their unique, time-tested relationship.

Vietnamese Deputy Minister of Foreign Affairs Nguyen Manh Cuong told the Vietnam News Agency that the trip from December 1-2 will be General Secretary Lam’s first state visit to Laos since assuming his new position. It comes at a highly significant moment: the two Parties are preparing for their congresses in 2026, which will set long-term strategic directions for national development.

Cuong stressed that the visit reflects the political commitment of both Parties and States to preserving and promoting their great friendship, special solidarity, and comprehensive cooperation - that he described as “unique in international relations.” Founded by President Ho Chi Minh, and Lao Presidents Kaysone Phomvihane and Souphanouvong, the relationship has been nurtured by generations of leaders and citizens, producing remarkable achievements across fields.

A central event of the visit will be the high-level meeting between the Communist Party of Vietnam and the Lao People’s Revolutionary Party. This is the most important cooperation mechanism between the two Parties and countries, providing a framework for discussing national developments, reviewing bilateral cooperation, and shaping long-term strategic orientations that serve the people of both nations. The outcomes of the meeting, he noted, will lay a firm basis for closer coordination in building and defending each country in the new period.

During the trip, General Secretary Lam will hold talks and meet with high-ranking Lao leaders and attend the grand ceremony marking the 50th National Day of Laos.

Cuong said the activities will reaffirm the shared strategic vision of the two leaderships and highlight the irreplaceable value of the Vietnam–Laos relationship, poetically described by President Ho Chi Minh as “deeper than the waters of the Red and Mekong rivers.”

The official said the close and highly trusted political-diplomatic ties continue to be a highlight, with high-level exchanges between the two Parties, States and legislatures conducted through flexible and timely formats. Regular delegation exchanges across different levels and sectors further strengthen political trust, reinforce strategic cohesion, and provide a key foundation for the effective implementation of established bilateral cooperation mechanisms.

Defence and security cooperation - one of the pillars of the relationship - has been maintained effectively through joint border patrols, information sharing, personnel training, and close coordination in combating transnational crime, thereby ensuring peace and stability in both countries.

Economic cooperation has also expanded substantially, with progress in strategic connectivity projects in transport, energy, trade, and investment. Bilateral trade during the first ten months of 2025 reached nearly 2.5 billion USD, up 50.4% year on year, making Vietnam Laos’ third-largest trading partner. Vietnam currently operates 274 investment projects in Laos with registered capital exceeding 5.8 billion USD.

Cooperation in education, culture, agriculture, energy, and transportation continues to yield encouraging results. People-to-people exchange and local-level cooperation are expanding, fostering mutual understanding and strengthening ties between younger generations. At multilateral forums, Vietnam and Laos maintain close coordination and support each other’s positions in ASEAN, the United Nations, and subregional mechanisms.

With this strong foundation of political trust, growing economic links, and shared strategic interests, Cuong expressed confidence that General Secretary Lam’s state visit will set a new milestone in the development of Vietnam–Laos ties. He said the visit will inject fresh momentum into comprehensive cooperation, contributing to the prosperity of both nations and to peace, stability, and sustainable development in the region and beyond./.