Southeast Asia Information Port (www.dnyxxg.com) – At the invitation of Thongloun Sisoulith, General Secretary of the Lao People's Revolutionary Party Central Committee and President of the Lao People's Democratic Republic, To Lam, General Secretary of the Communist Party of Vietnam Central Committee, will lead a high-level Vietnamese delegation on a state visit to Laos. Recently, Nguyen Manh Cuong, Member of the Central Committee of the Communist Party of Vietnam, Standing Deputy Secretary of the Party Committee of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, and Deputy Minister, gave an interview to the media regarding the visit, explaining its significance and the achievements of bilateral cooperation.
Nguyen Manh Cuong explained that General Secretary To Lam's visit to Laos is scheduled for February 5, 2026, coinciding with the successful convening of the 14th National Congress of the Communist Party of Vietnam and the 12th National Congress of the Lao People's Revolutionary Party. To Lam's choice of Laos as his first destination in his new term fully demonstrates Vietnam's high regard for and priority of Vietnam-Laos relations, and is of great significance for deepening the special relationship between the two countries and outlining a blueprint for cooperation in the new stage.
He stated that this visit is an important opportunity for the two parties and countries to reaffirm their special solidarity and unwavering tradition, demonstrating both sides' firm political determination to deepen, solidify, and enhance bilateral relations. In the current complex and volatile regional and global situation, strengthening strategic alignment between Vietnam and Laos is crucial for both countries to maintain stability and achieve sustainable development.
According to reports, during his visit, General Secretary To Lam will hold talks and meetings with senior leaders of the Lao Party and State to comprehensively review the achievements of bilateral cooperation and reach consensus on major directions for the development of bilateral relations. The two sides are expected to sign several important cooperation documents, laying a solid legal foundation and injecting strong momentum into deepening cooperation in various fields. A key focus will be on concretizing the meaning of "strategic alignment" and enhancing the level of strategic connectivity, mutual trust, and mutual assistance between the two countries in the areas of development, security, and integration.
Regarding recent bilateral cooperation, Nguyen Manh Cuong emphasized that Vietnam-Laos relations have maintained a good momentum of development, with cooperation flourishing in all fields, demonstrating deep political mutual trust and strategic alignment. Political and diplomatic relations played a core pillar role, consistently adhering to the framework of "great friendship, special solidarity, comprehensive cooperation, and strategic alignment." Defense and security cooperation was continuously strengthened, building a solid regional security barrier. Economic and trade investment cooperation yielded remarkable results, with bilateral trade exceeding US$3 billion for the first time in 2025. Vietnam has become one of Laos's major sources of investment, and cooperation in key areas such as banking and electricity has steadily progressed, becoming an important pillar of bilateral economic and trade cooperation.
Meanwhile, cooperation between the two countries in education and training, culture, tourism, and people-to-people exchanges continued to deepen, strengthening people-to-people ties. Close coordination was maintained within ASEAN and various regional and international forums, jointly safeguarding regional peace, stability, and development interests. Cooperation in science and technology, health, and sports also achieved positive results.
Looking to the future, Nguyen Manh Cuong stated that this visit will be an important political milestone in the development of Vietnam-Laos relations, helping the two countries enter a new stage. Both sides will use this visit as an opportunity to earnestly implement the strategic alignment plan, promote higher quality and efficiency in cooperation, bring more tangible benefits to the people of both countries, and contribute to regional and global peace, stability, and development. (End)
