This has played a crucial role in maintaining political stability, ensuring national defence and security, and fostering socio-economic development in both countries, while also making positive contributions to peace, cooperation, and development in the region.
During mutual visits, phone calls, and on the sidelines of multilateral forums, senior leaders and officials at various levels from Vietnam and Laos have consistently affirmed their high regard and prioritisation of the special relationship between the two nations.
Based on this foundation, agreements, strategies, and cooperative frameworks between the two sides have been actively and effectively implemented. Political relations continue to be strengthened and enhanced.
Defence and security cooperation remains a key pillar, while economic, educational, scientific, and technical collaborations have yielded positive results. Border localities have intensified cooperation, with a focus on building infrastructure, healthcare, human resource training, poverty alleviation, and maintaining security and order.
The solidarity and friendship between the two parties, states, and peoples are continuously nurtured through cultural, sports, tourism, and people-to-people exchange activities in both Vietnam and Laos.
In December 2024, at the Lao National Cultural Hall in Vientiane, the Ministry of Culture, Sports, and Tourism of Vietnam collaborated with the Lao Ministry of Information, Culture, and Tourism to organise the 2024 Vietnam Cultural Week in Laos under the theme “Colours of Vietnamese Culture, Vietnam-Laos Friendship”.
Vietnamese artists and students from the Lao-Vietnamese bilingual Nguyen Du School presented performances of songs, dances, and music honouring President Ho Chi Minh, the love of country, and the great friendship between the two nations. The vibrant artistic programme provided Lao audiences with a deeper understanding of Vietnamese culture and the special relationship between the two countries.
Vansy Kouamoua, Lao Deputy Minister of Information, Culture, and Tourism, emphasised that this event is part of the cultural, arts, and tourism cooperation plan between the two countries for the 2021-2025 period. It contributes to fostering mutual understanding and strengthening the friendship between the peoples of Vietnam and Laos.
Vietnam and Laos consistently support each other and closely collaborate at multilateral organisations and forums, especially within the frameworks of ASEAN, the United Nations, and sub-regional mechanisms.
In December 2024, Deputy Prime Minister and Foreign Minister Bui Thanh Son and Lao Foreign Minister Thongsavanh Phomvihane co-chaired the 11th Vietnam-Laos Ministerial-Level Political Consultation, during which they held in-depth discussions on regional and international issues of mutual interest.
Minister Thongsavanh Phomvihane expressed his gratitude for Vietnam’s active support in helping Laos successfully assume its roles as ASEAN Chair and Chair of the ASEAN Inter-Parliamentary Assembly (AIPA) in 2024. He affirmed that Laos would support and cooperate with Vietnam in hosting the 2nd ASEAN Future Forum, which is scheduled for early 2025.
Lao Ambassador to Vietnam Khamphao Ernthavanh highlighted that the relationship between the two countries not only helps maintain a peaceful and stable environment but also drives the comprehensive development of both nations.
The ambassador noted that the achievements of the two sides are clear evidence of this. He emphasised that Vietnam’s successes in its renewal process are not only a source of pride for the Vietnamese people but also a shared joy for international friends, including Laos.
As Vietnam and Laos both aim for new milestones in their nation-building and development efforts, the ambassador affirmed that the Party, State, and people of Laos will continue to stand alongside their Vietnamese counterparts on this journey.
