Viet Nam, Laos strengthen their strategic bond

As Viet Nam and Laos enter a new stage of development, the two countries continue to stand side by side, closely aligning bilateral cooperation with each country’s socio-economic development process.

In recent years, the special Viet Nam–Laos relationship has been advanced in a comprehensive and substantive manner, marked by the two sides’ agreement on a renewed set of parameters that elevates ties to the level of “great friendship, special solidarity, comprehensive cooperation, and strategic bond”, thereby reaffirming a long-term commitment to stand together in pursuit of sustainable development and shared prosperity.

Throughout the history of Viet Nam and Laos, each country’s achievements have been closely linked with every step forward in the steadfast, loyal, sincere, and pure Viet Nam–Laos relationship.

In recent days, people in both Viet Nam and Laos have followed closely, supported and congratulated two major political events — pivotal milestones in each country’s development process: the 14th National Congress of the Communist Party of Viet Nam and the 12th National Congress of the Lao People’s Revolutionary Party. The resounding success of each congress provides a firm political foundation for the two countries to further strengthen comprehensive cooperation, consolidate an enduring friendship, and pass it on to future generations.

The conference held recently in Viet Nam to announce the outcomes of the 12th National Congress of the Lao People’s Revolutionary Party stands as vivid evidence of the political trust, the highest regard, and the close and heartfelt bonds that the Lao People’s Revolutionary Party and the Communist Party of Viet Nam hold for one another.

At the conference, Lao General Secretary and President Thongloun Sisoulith emphasised that the 12th National Congress of the Lao People’s Revolutionary Party demonstrated the party’s strong political determination to accelerate comprehensive renewal, reaffirmed the party’s central leadership role in ensuring national stability and development, and strengthened the trust of the Lao people of all ethnic groups. The congress adopted a number of important strategic documents, including the third Political Platform — a document of long-term guiding significance that reaffirms steadfast commitment to the socialist path — and a political report with 10 key directions reflecting the party’s comprehensive and long-term development vision. The congress also approved the 10th five-year National Socio-Economic Development Plan (2026–2030), comprising six major targets.

The Vietnamese people have been delighted and encouraged by the major, comprehensive achievements that fraternal Laos has attained in recent years. Laos has maintained basic political stability, with security and social order ensured. The material and spiritual lives of the people have gradually improved. In 2025, the Lao economy sustained stable growth thanks to a strong recovery in tourism and inflows of foreign investment, while inflation was brought under control. Laos has set a goal of becoming an upper-middle-income country by 2055, marking the 100th anniversary of the founding of the Lao People’s Revolutionary Party.

In external relations, Laos has established diplomatic ties with around 150 countries and territories, is an active member of ASEAN, and is a dialogue partner of the Shanghai Cooperation Organisation (SCO). In recent times, Laos has carried out a series of important external activities to strengthen cooperation with countries and international organisations, consolidate relations with neighbouring countries sharing land borders, and deepen ties with ASEAN members. These efforts have contributed to enhancing the standing, role and influence of the Land of a Million Elephants in the region and internationally.

Amid unpredictable global turbulence, Viet Nam and Laos remain steadfast in continuing along their chosen path of development, sharing the same revolutionary ideals. Their close-knit solidarity and unity of purpose will continue to be an important driving force for the two countries to achieve new accomplishments in the revolutionary cause of both nations.