Vietnam-Laos: Partners on the Path to Peace
	People-to-people Ties Strengthen Vietnam-Laos Relations

Ambassador Extraordinary and Plenipotentiary of the Lao People's Democratic Republic (Lao PDR) to Vietnam Khamphao Ernthavanh talked to the press about the visit's significance and the key focal points in the bilateral relations between the two countries.

General Secretary and President of Laos Thongloun Sisoulith (R) receives General Secretary and President of Vietnam To Lam at his state visits to Laos in July 2024. (Photo: VNA)

Could you explain the significance of General Secretary and President of Laos Thongloun Sisoulith and his spouse's state visit to Vietnam at the invitation of General Secretary and President To Lam?

This visit takes place as both countries' Parties, States, and peoples implement the Resolution of the 11th National Congress of the Lao People's Revolutionary Party and the Resolution of the 13th National Congress of the Communist Party of Vietnam. Both countries are also preparing for groundswells congresses leading to their respective National Congresses, scheduled for early 2026.

Notably, this visit coincides with many significant anniversaries for both countries, including the 47th anniversary of the signing of the Vietnam-Laos Treaty of Friendship and Cooperation (July 18, 1977), the 62nd anniversary of the establishment of bilateral diplomatic ties (September 5 , 1962), 49th National Day of Laos, and 79th National Day of Vietnam.

This visit follows the success of the official visit by Vietnamese President To Lam to Laos in July 2024, further strengthening the special friendship and solidarity between the two Parties, States, and peoples.

During this visit, the two sides are expected to review the implementation of the 2024 Memorandum of Understanding between the two Politburos, which was signed on February 26, 2024, in Hanoi.

Additionally, the two sides will identify key cooperation priorities for 2025 and subsequent years. These activities will support both governments in implementing the agreements from the 46th meeting of the Vietnam-Laos Intergovernmental Committee on Cooperation and preparing for the 47th meeting in 2025.

What are the key activities for the General Secretary and President of Laos during this visit?

During this visit, General Secretary and President of Laos Thongloun Sisoulith will meet with top Vietnamese leaders in Hanoi, including General Secretary and President To Lam, Prime Minister Pham Minh Chinh, National Assembly Chairman Tran Thanh Man, Chairman of the Vietnam Fatherland Front Central Committee Do Van Chien, and leaders of the Vietnam-Laos Friendship Association.

The General Secretary and President of Laos will also participate in a meeting between the two Politburos of Laos and Vietnam, meet with former volunteers, experts, and the younger generations of both countries, and sign the 2025 Memorandum of Understanding.

Additionally, he will lay wreaths and pay tribute at President Ho Chi Minh's Mausoleum, visit the Birla Children's Village in Hanoi, tour the Vinfast automobile factory in Hai Phong, and visit several socio-economic development sites in Nghe An province and Ho Chi Minh City .

The spouse of the General Secretary and President of Laos will also have activities at various economic and social development facilities in Vietnam.

Could you share the important aspects of the meeting between the leaders of both countries with former volunteers, experts, and the young generations of Vietnam and Laos?

At the meeting, General Secretary and President Thongloun Sisoulith will emphasize the importance of the special friendship between Laos and Vietnam, particularly the noble sacrifices made by Vietnamese volunteers and experts in assisting Laos.

He will recount the tradition of the Laos-Vietnam special solidarity, built and secured over many decades by President Ho Chi Minh, President Kaisone Phomvihane, and President Souphanouvong. This legacy has been carried through historical periods filled with sacrifices, struggles, and revolutionary spirit by the leaders and people of both countries.

In the context of the complex international and regional situation, both countries need to strengthen their cooperation to protect and continuously develop the long-standing relationship.

The special solidarity between Laos and Vietnam is a shared invaluable asset. It is a crucial factor that ensures the independence and development of both countries.

We wish to spread this spirit to younger generations, encourage them to study, research, and become the successors of the mission of preserving and developing the countries and maintaining the close and sustainable relationship between Laos and Vietnam in the future.

What are the expectations of both sides from this state visit of the General Secretary and President of Laos and his spouse to Vietnam?

The visit aims to continue consolidating and deepening the great friendship and special solidarity between the two countries.

Within the framework of the visit, both sides will discuss directions, policies, and measures to promote comprehensive cooperation, enhancing the effectiveness of cooperation in various fields to bring practical benefits to the people of both countries. Simultaneously, both countries will continue to support each other at regional and international forums.

Despite the complicated developments in regional and international situations, with both opportunities and challenges, Laos and Vietnam always prioritize protecting and developing this special relationship for the present and future generations.

Regarding economic cooperation, both countries wish to promote growing economic cooperation, raising economic cooperation indicators to match the excellent political relations between the two countries.

The visits to various socio-economic development models in Vietnamese provinces will provide valuable experience lessons for Laos to reference and apply appropriately to its situation and conditions.

During this visit, General Secretary and President Thongloun Sisoulith will also meet with former Vietnamese volunteers, experts, and Lao students studying in Vietnam. This will affirm the long-standing supportive relationship between Laos and Vietnam, which will continue to be nurtured and maintained forever as a priceless legacy for future generations.

Lao Ambassador to Vietnam Khamphao Ernthavanh. (Photo: Lao Embassy in Vietnam)

What will the Lao Embassy in Vietnam focus on to promote bilateral relations after this visit?

We will focus on eight key priorities:

First, continuing to promote relevant agencies of Laos and Vietnam in implementing the agreements of the two countries' high-ranking leaders and the cooperation agreements between the two Parties, the two Governments, and between ministries and branches from the central and local levels signed in the past year. Simultaneously, reviewing the signed cooperation agreements to adjust and supplement them under the new situation.

Second, strengthen political cooperation, particularly in strategic issues, to facilitate high-level exchanges and interactions with increased effectiveness.

Third, coordinated defense and security cooperation to address new challenges and implementing the agreements signed by the two countries' Ministries of National Defense and Public Security.

Fourth, promoting economic cooperation between central and local agencies for higher effectiveness.

Fifth, the construction and maintenance of roads and border gates between the two countries should be enhanced to meet infrastructure standards and facilitate the transport of goods.

Sixth, promoting infrastructure connectivity, tourism, energy, and green agriculture to help both countries integrate effectively into the region and internationally.

Seventh, continuously enhance the coordination mechanisms in regional and international forums and regularly exchange and consult on international and regional issues of shared concern.

Eight, strengthening communication and education about the special solidarity between Laos and Vietnam for the younger generations of both countries.

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