The wrist-tying ritual is not only a unique cultural tradition demonstrating the Lao people's affection for their guests, but also a testament and expression of trust in the great friendship, special solidarity, and comprehensive cooperation between Vietnam and Laos — a bond that continues to flourish as the two nations stand side by side, advancing together.
Tradition of close-knit ties Upon the landing of the aircraft carrying President Luong Cuong and the high-level Vietnamese delegation at Wattay International Airport in Vientiane, the capital of Laos, it was easy to sense the enthusiastic and warm welcome, with banners and flags of both countries adorning the surroundings. The deep bond between the two nations has always been one of steadfast companionship, sharing joys and hardships alike. This is a sincere, exemplary, loyal, and pure relationship, truly unique in the world.
At the Vietnam-Laos friendship exchange programme themed "Vietnam - Laos, our two countries, the love is deeper than the Red River and Mekong River", President Luong Cuong expressed his great honour and joy in returning to the beautiful country, meeting comrades and brothers who once shared dangers and hardships, and witnessing the remarkable development of Laos nearly 40 years after embarking on its renewal process.
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The two leaders perform a wrist-tying ceremony to mark Bunpimay Festival — the traditional New Year celebration of Laos. |
The warmth and friendship permeated all meetings and exchanges. Every official talk, meeting, and interaction between President Luong Cuong and Lao party and state leaders took place in a deeply friendly atmosphere, filled with trust, sincerity, mutual understanding, respect, and a shared desire for everlasting development. These bonds, built by previous generations, are now cherished and further strengthened by the current and future generations.
As General Secretary and President Thongloun Sisoulith emphasised, Vietnam’s tremendous achievements serve as great encouragement and inspiration for Laos. With Vietnam’s companionship, Laos will confidently advance in its nation construction and development journey. President Luong Cuong, for his part, reiterated that in this era of national rise, the Vietnamese party, state, and people always wholeheartedly and comprehensively support Laos’s renewal, protection, and development efforts. In the spirit of "helping the friend is helping oneself", Vietnam stands ready to share its successful experiences, holding that Laos’s success is also Vietnam’s success.
General Sengnuon Sayalath, Chairman of the Lao Veterans Association, stated that no matter how the world and regional circumstances may change, the two nations will always stand shoulder to shoulder, assist each other with a spirit of "living and dying together, sharing the same trench, sharing every grain of rice and every vegetable stalk". Vilaphon Pholsena, representing the Lao youth generation, pledged: "We will do our utmost to uphold the great friendship and special solidarity, the invaluable asset meticulously nurtured and handed down by previous generations."
Joining hands to build the future
The great friendship, special solidarity, and comprehensive cooperation between Vietnam and Laos continue to thrive. Political ties between the two parties and states are increasingly close and trustworthy. Their defence and security cooperation remains robust and is growing; cultural and educational exchanges are being actively promoted. The two countries’ economic cooperation has seen positive changes. Vietnam currently has 267 investment projects in Laos with a total registered capital of 5.63 billion USD, and cumulative disbursements amounting to about 2.8 billion USD. In March 2025 alone, bilateral trade turnover reached 980.1 million USD, up 105.5% year on year. The two nations continue to support each other at regional and international forums, particularly within ASEAN, the United Nations, and Mekong sub-regional cooperation mechanisms.
With strong efforts and determination, many major projects have been unlocked and are underway, creating new momentum for bilateral cooperation. Recalling General Secretary To Lam's statement that "if Vietnam has a seaport, then Laos also has a seaport", President Luong Cuong emphasised that the Vung Ang Port No.3 project is a symbol of solidarity and sharing, helping to fulfil Laos’s aspiration for maritime access and driving its socio-economic development.
President of the Lao National Assembly Saysomphone Phomvihane underscored that the Vietnamese party, state, and people have been standing side by side with Laos, contributing to many vital infrastructure projects, including the Lao National Assembly building which is now a new landmark in Vientiane.
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President Luong Cuong meets with Lao Prime Minister Sonexay Siphandone. (Photo: VNA) |
The shared commitment to development was further evident as President Luong Cuong and President Thongloun Sisoulith agreed to seek innovative and breakthrough methods to enhance cooperation in economics, culture, and science-technology, maximising each country’s strengths. They particularly stressed the need to boost economic connectivity, infrastructure, finance, and tourism cooperation, aiming to raise bilateral trade to 5 billion USD in the coming years while increasing exchanges of macroeconomic management experiences.
During this visit, President Luong Cuong also announced that the Vietnamese party, state, and people have decided to gift a district-level hospital project worth 3 million USD to the Lao party, state, and people. The two sides will coordinate closely to complete the project by 2026 to mark the success of the 12th National Congress of the Lao People's Revolutionary Party.
The deep bonds and shared journey are further reflected by the fact that around 14,000 Lao students are currently studying across Vietnam. Many Lao alumni have returned home and are actively contributing to Laos’s development. Each Lao student in Vietnam serves as a cultural bridge and an ambassador of the Vietnam-Laos friendship.
President Luong Cuong affirmed that looking forward, there is every confidence in a bright future for Vietnam-Laos, Laos-Vietnam relations. With determination in every action, with efforts arising from the hearts of every Lao and Vietnamese citizen, the two countries’ great friendship, special solidarity, and comprehensive cooperation will continue to be nurtured, flourish evermore, and endure forever.
