The recent state visit by Vietnamese President To Lam to Laos and Cambodia has injected new energy into the historical friendship shared by these neighboring countries. The visit holds great significance for bolstering the relationships between Vietnam, Laos, and Cambodia, affirming the close bonds and mutual support that characterize their longstanding ties.

President of the State, To Lam, and General Secretary, President of Laos, Thongloun Sisoulith take a joint photo.

President To Lam’s visit marked his first international trip since being elected by the National Assembly, delivering an important message about Vietnam's diplomatic priorities. The visit conveyed that the Party and State of Vietnam place great importance on their relationships with Laos and Cambodia, which are seen as strategic allies. Vietnam emphasizes the importance of fostering great friendship, special solidarity, and comprehensive cooperation with both countries, underlining the historical and ongoing bonds of trust and collaboration.

Over the course of less than three days, President To Lam engaged in an intensive schedule that included 32 activities, ranging from official talks and meetings with senior leaders to interactions with students and overseas Vietnamese communities in both countries. This visit highlighted Vietnam's respect and commitment to fostering closer ties with both Laos and Cambodia. During these engagements, Vietnamese ministers and officials also held discussions with their Laotian and Cambodian counterparts to explore concrete areas for collaboration, demonstrating a shared determination to address mutual challenges and promote prosperity.

While in Laos from July 11 to 12, President To Lam held discussions with the Laotian General Secretary and President Thongloun Sisoulith, met with other high-ranking officials including the Prime Minister and Speaker of the National Assembly, and connected with community representatives. These meetings were marked by warm gestures, such as handshakes and embraces, reflecting the depth of the connection between the two nations. The symbolic nature of these gestures underscored the strong, unique bond that Vietnam and Laos share—one that is both deeply rooted in history and exceptionally resilient.

President Sisoulith expressed his sincere gratitude for the visit, emphasizing the solidarity and friendship that Vietnam continues to show towards Laos. He reiterated his country's commitment to strengthening this "one-of-a-kind" relationship, ensuring that it continues to grow in effectiveness and resilience. During the talks, leaders from both countries expressed their satisfaction with the positive development of bilateral relations, which have been characterized by frequent exchanges and effective cooperation mechanisms. These activities have been essential in maintaining a high level of political trust and strengthening the relationship between the two nations.

The discussions were conducted in an atmosphere of camaraderie and brotherhood, reflecting mutual trust. Both sides focused on measures to promote cooperation in various fields, acknowledging that the complexities of global and regional affairs make such collaboration even more critical. They emphasized the need for continued consultation, shared learning, and mutual support to overcome challenges together. A particular emphasis was placed on building independent and self-sufficient economies while striving for deeper international integration, reflecting a vision for joint development that ensures resilience against external shocks.

When addressing regional and international issues, both sides agreed on the importance of increased coordination and support in multilateral forums, particularly in the face of rapidly changing global dynamics. Their commitment to working together at institutions such as the United Nations, ASEAN, and Mekong sub-regional mechanisms demonstrates their shared goal of contributing to regional stability and global peace. This partnership is not only a source of strength for Vietnam and Laos but also serves as a stabilizing force for the broader region.

The visit to Laos culminated in a gesture of diplomatic courtesy from President Sisoulith, who personally came to bid farewell to President To Lam at his accommodation. This act of respect underscored the high regard in which the relationship is held, symbolizing the deep bond between the two nations.

During his visit to Cambodia from July 12 to 13, President To Lam also had significant engagements with Cambodian leaders. He met with King Norodom Sihamoni at the Royal Palace, greeted Queen Mother Norodom Monineath Sihanouk, and held talks with key figures such as Samdech Techo Hun Sen, Prime Minister Hun Manet, and Speaker of the National Assembly Khuon Sudary. The Cambodian Royal Family and leaders extended a warm and heartfelt welcome to the Vietnamese delegation, which is expected to further deepen the relationship between the two countries.

President Tô Lâm met with King Norodom Sihamoni at the Royal Palace of Cambodia.

King Norodom Sihamoni praised Vietnam’s recent domestic and international achievements, acknowledging the country's growing stature on the regional and global stage under the leadership of the Communist Party of Vietnam. This recognition reflects the strength of Vietnam's policies and its increasing influence in regional and global affairs.

During the discussions, both Vietnamese and Cambodian leaders expressed their delight at the positive trajectory of their bilateral relations. The partnership between the two countries has grown stronger, characterized by stable and trustworthy cooperation across various levels. Both nations emphasized their commitment to enhancing trade, investment, cultural ties, and people-to-people exchanges. They pledged to resolve outstanding issues based on principles of friendship and solidarity, ensuring the continued growth of their relationship.

The two sides reiterated the significance of their traditional friendship and solidarity, which have been forged through shared sacrifices and a common history of struggle. They emphasized the importance of preserving this legacy for future generations and committed to enhancing education and awareness among the youth about the value of their historical relationship. By doing so, they hope to ensure that the younger generation understands the sacrifices made by past leaders and continues to strengthen the bonds between Vietnam and Cambodia.

President Hun Sen expressed his appreciation for President To Lam's state visit, emphasizing that it had further reinforced the relationship between the two countries. Leaders from both sides spoke highly of the sacrifices made during the struggle for national liberation and Vietnam's role in supporting Cambodia during the collapse of the Pol Pot regime. This shared history of mutual support serves as an enduring testament to the strength of their partnership.

The expanded cooperation between Vietnam, Laos, and Cambodia not only reinforces their bilateral ties but also contributes to broader regional stability. Their shared commitment to multilateralism and the support they offer each other at various forums highlight the unique and resilient nature of their relationships. As they continue to collaborate, these three nations set an example of how close cooperation, mutual respect, and shared values can foster peace, development, and prosperity across borders.