In the new era, which brings new requirements and tasks, Viet Nam and Laos are determined to continue moving forward together, maintaining close ties, and jointly realising their development aspirations.
The history of relations between Viet Nam and Laos — two countries that share the waters of the Mekong River and are united by the majestic Truong Son Mountain Range — bears witness to their shared hardships and close solidarity in the struggle for independence and freedom for each nation. The destinies of the two countries have been closely intertwined. Vietnamese volunteer soldiers and experts sacrificed their lives and fought alongside Lao soldiers and people against invading forces, contributing to the struggle for independence of brotherly Laos. This great friendship and special solidarity have become a precious asset and resource for both nations.
In recent years, political and diplomatic relations between the two countries have continued to be strengthened and developed in a stable and substantive manner. Notably, following the successful National Congresses of the Communist Party of Viet Nam and the Lao People's Revolutionary Party, the top leaders of both Parties chose each other's country as the first destination for their visits abroad.
This vividly demonstrates the close bonds between comrades and brothers, affirming that both sides always give the highest priority to their great friendship, special solidarity, comprehensive cooperation, and strategic cohesion.
Built on the foundation of profound shared understanding and the sincere, steadfast sentiments between the two Parties, the two States, and the peoples of both countries, Viet Nam and Laos have achieved many positive results in their cooperation in recent years. Cooperation in economics, trade, and investment has continued to make positive progress.
Viet Nam remains one of the largest foreign investors in Laos. Many projects have operated effectively, making positive contributions to Laos' socio-economic development, creating jobs, raising incomes for thousands of workers, and generating additional budget revenue, particularly in sectors such as telecommunications, banking, energy, mining, rubber, and food processing.
In addition, bilateral relations have also developed positively in areas such as education and training, culture, and tourism. People-to-people diplomacy has received due attention, helping to enhance mutual understanding and strengthen bonds between the peoples of the two countries, thereby laying a solid foundation for Viet Nam-Laos relations.
2027 will be a particularly significant year for the special solidarity between Viet Nam and Laos, marking such important milestones as the 65th anniversary of the establishment of diplomatic relations between the two countries (September 5, 1962 – September 5, 2027) and the 50th anniversary of the signing of the Viet Nam-Laos Treaty of Friendship and Cooperation (July 18, 1977 – July 18, 2027).
These anniversaries will also provide an opportunity for the two countries to look back on their tradition of solidarity and friendship, as well as the achievements of cooperation over the past decades. In the new period, Viet Nam and Laos will continue to translate the concept of “strategic cohesion” into concrete actions and establish it as an overarching guiding principle for bilateral relations.
This includes further strengthening their close ties and political trust, closely coordinating on strategic issues related to each country's development, and remaining determined to deepen relations between the two parties and the two countries in an increasingly substantive and effective manner.
