This diplomatic endeavor holds both symbolic significance and marks a new developmental phase in the uniquely close relationship between the two nations.
At the invitation of Lao General Secretary and President Thongloun Sisoulith and his spouse, General Secretary of the Communist Party of Vietnam’s Central Committee Tô Lâm, along with his spouse and a high-ranking Vietnamese delegation, will visit Laos from December 1-2, 2025. This marks General Secretary Tô Lâm’s first state visit to Laos in his new capacity, coinciding with Laos’ 50th National Day anniversary (December 2, 1975 – December 2, 2025).
According to Deputy Minister of Foreign Affairs Nguyễn Mạnh Cường, this is one of Vietnam’s most significant diplomatic activities in 2025. The visit takes place as both Parties prepare for the lead-up to their 2026 Congresses, a period during which they will formulate new developmental policies for their respective nations.
Vietnam and Laos share a relationship described as “unparalleled” in international affairs. As close neighbors, they share a long history of solidarity during their struggles for independence, national construction, and defense. This foundation was laid by President Ho Chi Minh, President Kaysone Phomvihane, and President Souphanouvong, and has been nurtured by successive generations of leaders and the peoples of both nations.
Deputy Minister of Foreign Affairs Nguyễn Mạnh Cường speaks to the press
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Deputy Minister Nguyễn Mạnh Cường stated that this visit underscores the commitment of both Parties and governments to uphold and enhance their great friendship, special solidarity, and comprehensive cooperation. The aim is to align bilateral relations with new requirements, reflecting the strategic vision and interests of both nations in the coming period.
A key highlight of the agenda is the High-Level Meeting between the Communist Party of Vietnam and the Lao People’s Revolutionary Party. This is the most critical cooperative mechanism between the two Parties and nations. Leaders will discuss the situation in each Party and country, review past cooperation outcomes, and agree on long-term strategic directions for the benefit of their peoples and regional and global peace, stability, and development.
During the visit, General Secretary Tô Lâm will hold talks and meetings with Lao senior leaders and attend the 50th National Day celebration of the Lao PDR. As one of Laos’ most significant events in 2025, the presence of Vietnam’s high-ranking delegation carries both emotional and political weight.
In recent years, Deputy Minister Nguyễn Mạnh Cường noted that the greatest achievement in bilateral relations is the close and trusted political-diplomatic ties. Leaders of both Parties, governments, National Assemblies, and other agencies maintain frequent and flexible interactions. Exchanges between ministries, sectors, and localities have intensified, fostering a solid foundation of political trust and guiding overall bilateral cooperation.
Defense and security cooperation remains a vital pillar. Both nations effectively maintain coordination mechanisms, information sharing, border patrols, and joint efforts to ensure order and safety in their shared border areas. Training in defense, security, and cross-border crime prevention has been effective, contributing to a peaceful and stable environment for development in both countries.
Beyond politics and defense, both nations have sought economic cooperation breakthroughs. They prioritize strategic infrastructure projects, particularly in road, rail, energy, trade, and investment. These connections serve not only as transport routes but also as “developmental bridges,” facilitating smoother flows of goods, capital, and people in the future.
Recently, trade and investment have shown positive signs. In the first 10 months of 2025, bilateral trade reached nearly 2.5 billion USD, a 50.4% increase compared to the same period in 2024. Vietnam is Laos’ third-largest trading partner, with both aiming for 5 billion USD and striving for 10 billion USD in the coming years.
In investment, Vietnam has 274 projects in Laos with a total registered capital of over 5.8 billion USD. Several key transport infrastructure projects have become operational, connecting regions and economic hubs, and driving new development for both nations. These advancements are seen as strategically linking the developmental spaces of the two countries, promising shared growth in the near future.
Other areas of cooperation, such as education, culture, transport, energy, and agriculture, have also been promoted. Numerous human resource training programs, cultural exchanges, and specialized collaborations have been implemented, further strengthening ties between Vietnamese and Lao generations.
People-to-people exchanges and local cooperation have become more vibrant. Youth groups, women’s associations, friendship organizations, and arts and sports delegations interact more frequently, helping citizens, especially the youth, better understand each other’s history and contemporary life. These close, everyday connections form a strong foundation for the special Vietnam-Laos relationship.
On the multilateral front, Vietnam and Laos closely coordinate in regional and international forums. They consistently support each other in frameworks like ASEAN, the United Nations, and sub-regional cooperation. This partnership reflects their solidarity, loyalty, and responsibility to the regional and global community.
Deputy Minister Nguyễn Mạnh Cường emphasized that, given the special foundation, deep political trust, and vast cooperation potential, General Secretary Tô Lâm’s state visit to Laos is expected to significantly enhance the prosperity of both nations. “This visit also reaffirms the relationship ‘Vietnam-Laos, our two nations; a bond deeper than the Red and Mekong Rivers,’ as stated by President Ho Chi Minh, while actively contributing to regional and global peace, stability, cooperation, and development,” he added.
– 13:00 30/11/2025
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