Over the past nearly 60 years, the relations between the two nations have been developed in a comprehensive and practical manner, becoming a rare model in international relations.
Vietnam and Laos always stood side by side in their previous struggles for national liberation and continue to do so during the cause of national construction, defence and development today. The relationship between the two Parties and States has grownincreasingly close, playing a pivotal role in the overall orientation of their bilateral ties. Amid the outbreak of COVID-19 pandemic, both sides have maintained their high-ranking visits and meetings in appropriate forms, such as Vietnamese President Nguyen Xuan Phuc’s official visit to Laos and Party General Secretary and President of Laos Thongloun Sisoulith’s visit to Vietnam.
The visits at all levels, especially following the success of Party congresses and the elections to the National Assembly and People's Councils at all levels, have contributed to orienting and creating new impetus for Vietnam – Laos cooperation in all aspects. In addition, the two sides have also effectively promoted bilateral cooperation mechanisms, especially the annual meetings between the two Politburos and the meetings of the Vietnam-Laos Inter-Governmental Committee. The two countries have signed many important cooperation documents and implemented joint statements and agreements between the leaders from the two Parties and nations.
The ties between the two parliaments have been continuously strengthened in a synchronously and effectively, significantly contributing to the overall Vietnam-Laos relationship. The two sides have maintained exchanges regarding working experience as well as close cooperation at regional and international inter-parliamentary forums such as the ASEAN Inter-Parliamentary Assembly (AIPA), Inter-Parliamentary Union (IPU) and Asia-Pacific Parliamentary Forum. Laos' new National Assembly House, a gift presented by the Vietnamese Party, State and people to the Lao Party, State and people, has become one of the symbols for the special relations between the two nations. Lao General Secretary and President Thongloun Sisoulith affirmed that this building is a symbol of the disinterested, pure and beautiful relationship between the two countries and will last forever with the Lao people.
Despite the complicated developments of COVID-19 pandemic, economic, trade and investment cooperation between Vietnam and Laos has been well maintained. In addition, the two sides have closely cooperated in carrying out Vietnam's ODA projects for Laos. Their cooperation in defence and security has continued to be enhanced, contributing to ensuring the security and maintaininga border of peace and friendship between the two countries. The cooperation in education and training has been promoted to implement the education and human resource development project for the 2021-2030 period. Localities between the two countries, especially those sharing a border, have paid strong attention to boosting their collaboration in infrastructure construction and healthcare. In response to COVID-19, the two sides have worked closely and supported each other, making great contributions to efforts in socio-economic recovery in each country. At multilateral forums, especially within the framework of the United Nations, ASEAN, and sub-regional cooperation mechanisms, the two nations have coordinated harmoniously and effectively, thus contributing to promoting peace, stability and development in the region and around the world.
Vietnamese NA Chairman Vuong Dinh Hue and his Lao counterpart Saysomphone Phomvihane affirmed that the two countries will continue to expand their great friendship, special solidarity, and comprehensive cooperation in a deep, effective and practical manner in the near future.
