This is the first visit to Viet Nam by a high-level foreign leader in 2026. The visit follows immediately after the successful conclusion of the 14th National Congress of the Communist Party of Viet Nam.
The visit takes place at a time when the special Viet Nam–Laos relationship has been continuously consolidated and comprehensively developed in a substantive, effective manner, serving as a rare, exemplary model of loyalty and purity in international relations. Political trust and strategic confidence continue to be nurtured, playing a core role and providing the overall orientation for bilateral relations.
Recently, Party General Secretary To Lam and his spouse paid a state visit to Laos, attended the 50th National Day celebrations of Laos, and co-chaired a high-level meeting between the Communist Party of Viet Nam and the Lao People’s Revolutionary Party.
During that visit, the high-level leaders of both countries agreed to deepen and elevate the bilateral relationship to one of “great friendship, special solidarity, comprehensive cooperation, and strategic cohesion”, affirming a shared vision, intertwined strategic interests, and a long-term commitment to companionship for the goals of sustainable development, self-reliance, and the shared prosperity of the two nations.
Immediately afterwards, the two Prime Ministers successfully co-chaired the 48th session of the Viet Nam–Laos Intergovernmental Committee, contributing to the timely crystallisation and effective implementation of the commitments and directives of the two Politburos.
The situation in Laos remains fundamentally stable; people's living standards continue to improve, and Laos's international standing is being elevated ceaselessly.
Through the synchronous implementation of measures to stabilise the macro-economy, control inflation, promote production, and maintain exports and imports, Laos aims for economic growth of more than 5.5% in 2026. Laos continues to maintain and expand its foreign relations, maximising external resources to promote domestic economic and social development.
As two close neighbours bound by the Truong Son mountain range and the Mekong River, Viet Nam and Laos share a historical and cultural flow and an intertwined destiny. Despite historical ups and downs, the two nations have always stood shoulder to shoulder with steadfast loyalty, assisting each other with a pure, righteous, and affectionate spirit.
This special neighbourly relationship was not only forged during the two countries’ struggles for national independence but continues to be consolidated in their cause of national construction and defence today, becoming an invaluable asset for the two Parties, two States, and the peoples of both countries.
Within the flow of special Viet Nam–Laos solidarity and built upon the foundation of close, trusted political relations, defence, security, and foreign affairs cooperation between the two countries remains firm and is developing positively. The economic, trade, and investment sectors have seen many positive shifts, with new highlights emerging.
Both sides strive to resolutely resolve many key issues and projects, removing long-standing obstacles.
Cultural, educational, scientific, and technical cooperation continues to be promoted strongly, achieving many practical results. Relations between ministries, sectors, government agencies, the National Assemblies, and local authorities continue to advance, becoming increasingly substantive.
The visit demonstrates the highest regard and priority given by the two Parties and States to strengthening political trust, strategic coordination, and orienting the development of the special Viet Nam–Laos relationship in this new period.
As the first visit to Viet Nam by a high-level foreign leader in 2026—taking place right after the successful organisation of the 12th Congress of the Lao People's Revolutionary Party and the 14th National Congress of the Communist Party of Viet Nam—the visit by the General Secretary and President of Laos and his spouse carries special political importance. It demonstrates the highest regard and priority given by the two Parties and States to strengthening political trust, strategic coordination, and orienting the development of the special Viet Nam–Laos relationship in this new period.
It is also an opportunity for high-level leaders to exchange in-depth views on the situation of each Party and country, as well as regional and international issues of common concern, thereby continuing to affirm a consistent stance in upholding independence, self-reliance, peace, stability, cooperation, and development.
The visit is not only an important milestone opening high-level foreign activities for Viet Nam in 2026, but also sends a strong message regarding the shared determination of the two Parties, two States, and both peoples to preserve, nurture, and develop the great friendship, special solidarity, comprehensive cooperation, and strategic cohesion of the Viet Nam–Laos relationship so that it remains forever verdant and eternally sustainable.
The positive results from the visit will contribute to the effective implementation of cooperation agreements reached between the high-level leaders, creating new momentum to propel the Viet Nam–Laos relationship forward in a deeper, more substantive, and effective manner.
On the basis of high political trust and strategic consensus, the two sides will continue to formalise commitments in key sectors, closely linking bilateral cooperation with each country's economic and social development tasks. In doing so, they will meet the aspirations and practical interests of the peoples of both countries and make positive contributions to peace, stability, and sustainable development in the region and the world.
