Ahead of the official visit to Laos by Prime Minister Le Minh Hung and the high-level Vietnamese delegation, on October 7, Thongsavanh Phomvihane—Politburo member of the Lao People’s Revolutionary Party, Deputy Prime Minister, and Minister of Foreign Affairs of Laos—spoke to the press about the significance and importance of the visit.
According to the Lao Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Foreign Affairs, this visit to Laos by Prime Minister Le Minh Hung holds immense significance, marking his first official overseas visit since being elected Prime Minister of the Socialist Republic of Viet Nam.
The visit demonstrates the importance Viet Nam attaches to strengthening the special relationship between the two nations, thereby affirming that the great friendship, special solidarity, comprehensive cooperation, and strategic bond between Laos and Viet Nam continue to be nurtured, reinforced, and ceaselessly developed.
Furthermore, the visit takes place in a unique context as both countries begin implementing the resolutions of the 12th Congress of the Lao People’s Revolutionary Party and the 14th Congress of the Communist Party of Viet Nam; simultaneously, Laos has just elected a new National Assembly Chairman and Prime Minister during the second session of its 10th National Assembly (held from October 5–21, 2026).
Additionally, this marks the first time the new Lao Prime Minister, Salemxay Kommasith, is hosting an international guest in his new capacity, while Viet Nam is simultaneously holding its 4th Central Committee Plenum and preparing for the session of the 16th National Assembly; this backdrop further underscores the visit's significance regarding the shared determination to elevate bilateral relations to new heights.
Expressing confidence that the visit will be a resounding success, the Lao Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Foreign Affairs noted that the two sides would sign numerous important cooperation documents aimed at concretising the agreements reached by the high-level leadership of both Parties. Specifically, following official bilateral talks, the two sides are expected to sign more than 10 documents covering a wide range of sectors and involving entities at both central and local levels.
The Lao Deputy Prime Minister and Foreign Minister noted that these documents would serve as a crucial foundation for implementing practical plans among the ministries, agencies, and localities of both nations, while also providing essential preparatory material for the 49th meeting of the Intergovernmental Bilateral Cooperation Committee, scheduled for early 2027.
Additionally, a Laos-Viet Nam investment promotion conference will be held during the visit, attended by approximately 1,000 delegates representing both public and private sector entities. This forum serves to align the needs and capabilities of businesses from both countries, fostering tangible cooperation.
The Lao Deputy Prime Minister and Foreign Minister expressed hope that the outcomes of this visit by Deputy Prime Minister Le Minh Hung would mark a significant breakthrough in upgrading bilateral economic cooperation to a level commensurate with the long-standing, special political relationship between the two countries.
Regarding the direction of cooperation, the Lao Deputy Prime Minister and Foreign Minister expressed the hope that both sides would focus on strengthening collaboration in three key areas: infrastructure and transport connectivity; the promotion of two-way trade and investment; and comprehensive cooperation in energy, education, and tourism.
Regarding the first area, Laos hopes to accelerate strategic projects involving roads, railways, and energy and fuel supply systems to bring them to fruition soon. A crucial objective is to transform Laos from a landlocked nation into a “regional connectivity hub”. This shift would help reduce production and transportation costs, enhance the competitiveness of goods, and, notably, foster closer economic integration between the two nations.
Regarding the second area, the Lao Deputy Prime Minister and Foreign Minister stated that Laos would establish favorable mechanisms to attract greater Vietnamese investment—particularly in clean energy, high-tech agriculture, mining, and domestic goods processing. Laos also pledged to continue addressing obstacles in border trade to boost bilateral trade value and meet the targets agreed upon by the two countries’ high-level leadership.
Regarding the third area, the Lao Deputy Prime Minister and Foreign Minister noted that both nations possess significant potential across various sectors. Consequently, the two sides aim to encourage energy exchanges and trade, continue establishing joint educational institutions, and foster tourism cooperation under the “two countries, one destination” model to attract international visitors and generate income for the people of both nations.
The Lao Deputy Prime Minister and Foreign Minister stated that Laos is set to graduate from Least Developed Country (LDC) status by the end of 2026, with a three-year transition period (2026–2029).
Concurrently, the country is implementing a policy of an independent and self-reliant economy and is calling on friendly nations and the international community to continue their cooperation and support to ensure a smooth and sustainable graduation from LDC status.
Therefore, this visit serves as an opportunity for Vietnam to continue its cooperation with and support for Laos—within the framework agreed upon by the high-level leadership of both Parties and States—to achieve practical results.
Finally, the Lao Deputy Prime Minister and Foreign Minister noted that the visit would make a significant contribution to the upcoming observances of the 2027 Laos-Viet Nam Year of Solidarity and Friendship, as well as the 65th anniversary of the establishment of diplomatic relations and the 50th anniversary of the signing of the Treaty of Friendship and Cooperation.
He emphasised that the visit is a practical activity aimed at fostering the great friendship, special solidarity, comprehensive cooperation, and strategic partnership between Laos and Viet Nam, ensuring they continue to flourish and deliver tangible benefits to the peoples of both nations.
