The relationship between Vietnam and Laos stands as a profound and enduring testament to international friendship. It is not merely a bilateral partnership, but a rare model of solidarity and mutual devotion that has spanned decades. Bound by a common revolutionary past, a shared commitment to peace and prosperity, and a deep-rooted cultural and ideological connection, Vietnam and Laos continue to nurture one of the most unique and cherished bonds in the global political landscape.

This exceptional relationship is built on a foundation of mutual respect, sincere cooperation, and unyielding trust. It has been tested time and again—by war, shifting global dynamics, and the challenges of development—but has never faltered. Instead, it has evolved, adapting to new realities while preserving its core values, making it both timeless and forward-looking.

A Legacy Forged in Struggle

According to Mr. Vũ Trọng Kim, former Vice President and Secretary General of the Vietnam Fatherland Front and former President of the Vietnam-Laos Friendship Association, the seeds of this relationship were sown by visionary leaders—President Hồ Chí Minh, President Kaysone Phomvihane, and President Souphanouvong. These leaders, guided by a shared revolutionary vision, laid the ideological and emotional groundwork for an alliance that would transcend traditional diplomacy.

Through decades of revolutionary struggle, the people of Vietnam and Laos fought side by side. They shared not only victories but also losses, sacrifices, and unwavering determination. This historical experience has forged an emotional and moral bond that continues to resonate with both nations’ leaders and people today. As Mr. Kim emphasized, this relationship is not only political—it is spiritual. It has become an “immutable principle,” guiding the development strategies and foreign policies of both countries.

Deepening Ties in a Transforming World

The recent visit of Lao Prime Minister Sonexay Siphandone to Vietnam underscores the vitality of this bond. At a time when global alliances are often shaped by temporary interests or geopolitical maneuvering, the Vietnam-Laos relationship remains steadfast, rooted in long-term vision and moral clarity. The Prime Minister’s visit was a powerful reaffirmation of this loyalty and a vivid symbol of the special solidarity that continues to define bilateral ties.

During the visit, both sides reiterated their commitment to deepen cooperation across a wide range of sectors. Economic partnerships, infrastructure development, energy cooperation, border security, cultural exchange, and educational support were among the priorities discussed. These are not just technical arrangements; they reflect a comprehensive and holistic approach to nation-building—together.

Mr. Vũ Trọng Kim expressed his belief that such high-level exchanges will serve as catalysts for broader cooperation, translating into large-scale and strategic programs that impact not just capitals, but also rural areas, border provinces, and ethnic communities. In his view, the relationship must not only be preserved but also expanded in scope and substance, ensuring that it remains a living and dynamic force.

A Model of Grassroots Engagement

What distinguishes the Vietnam-Laos relationship is not just high-level diplomacy but its vibrant presence at the grassroots level. From national leadership down to communes and villages, cooperation flourishes. In border areas, the sense of brotherhood is not an abstract concept—it is a lived reality. Officials, teachers, healthcare workers, and ordinary citizens regularly engage in collaborative projects, joint festivals, cultural programs, and infrastructure initiatives.

Programs aimed at poverty alleviation, rural development, and public health illustrate how the spirit of friendship is translated into concrete results. Joint efforts in building schools, clinics, and roads in remote Lao provinces have had profound impacts, and Vietnam has consistently provided scholarships and training programs to support Laos’s human resource development. This is encapsulated in Vietnam’s guiding principle: “Help our friends as we help ourselves.”

The Role of Friendship Associations

At the heart of people-to-people diplomacy are the Vietnam-Laos and Laos-Vietnam Friendship Associations. These organizations act as bridges of trust and mutual understanding. Through cultural exchanges, student and youth programs, and grassroots cooperation, they have helped sustain and deepen the bonds formed during the revolutionary years.

As Mr. Vũ Trọng Kim highlighted, the associations have played a pivotal role in shaping a people-centered narrative of cooperation. They have ensured that bilateral relations are not confined to government-to-government interaction but are embraced and advanced by ordinary people. Events such as Vietnamese-Lao youth camps, art exhibitions, and historical seminars bring new generations into contact with a rich legacy of camaraderie.

Moreover, these associations have collaborated closely with the Vietnam Fatherland Front to maintain and expand cooperation among border communities. They promote peaceful coexistence, cross-border trade, and cultural unity, transforming shared borders into zones of peace and mutual benefit.

Educating Future Generations: A Strategic Imperative

One of the most important challenges today is ensuring that future generations understand, appreciate, and uphold this unique friendship. Mr. Vũ Trọng Kim emphasized the urgent need for education and cultural awareness initiatives that highlight the historical, ideological, and emotional depth of the Vietnam-Laos bond.

Schools, universities, and youth organizations must play a more active role in teaching the values of solidarity, independence, and mutual support. This is not merely about remembering the past—it is about preparing leaders, entrepreneurs, scientists, and citizens who can carry forward this relationship with creativity and conviction.

This is why the work of the Friendship Associations must be supported by all sectors. Ministries, departments, provinces, and cities must contribute actively to this vision. Economic cooperation, ideological education, cultural programming, and joint ventures in science, technology, tourism, and sports must be integrated into a shared developmental agenda.

A Friendship Rooted in Values, Built for the Future

The Vietnam-Laos relationship has transcended its historical origins to become a strategic asset in an increasingly complex world. In a time when many international relationships are transactional or short-term, this enduring friendship offers a compelling alternative—one rooted in shared struggle, shared destiny, and shared values.

It is a relationship built not on coercion or expediency, but on trust, respect, and the mutual aspiration for peace, prosperity, and independence. It is a relationship that has weathered storms and emerged stronger each time.

As Mr. Vũ Trọng Kim concluded, this rare and historic relationship, born from sacrifice and sustained by loyalty, must continue to be nurtured and cherished. It is not just a legacy of the past, but a blueprint for the future—a shining example of how two nations, through unity and mutual devotion, can build a partnership that is, as both Vietnam and Laos proudly affirm, “forever green and eternally sustainable.”