At the cordial invitation of Mr. Thongloun Sisoulith, General Secretary of the Central Committee of the Lao People’s Revolutionary Party and President of the Lao People’s Democratic Republic, His Excellency Mr. Lương Cường, President of the Socialist Republic of Vietnam, will undertake an official State visit to Laos from April 24 to 25. This important diplomatic event is expected to generate fresh momentum for the time-honored and ever-strengthening Vietnam–Laos relationship, reaffirming a bond that has withstood the tests of history and continues to flourish in the present day.

Ambassador Nguyễn Minh Tâm emphasized that the Vietnam–Laos and Laos–Vietnam relationship has always been distinguished by great friendship, special solidarity, and comprehensive cooperation. What makes this relationship unique is that it extends far beyond official diplomacy and permeates the daily lives and traditions of the two peoples. Every Tet (Lunar New Year) in Vietnam and every Boun Pi Mai (Lao New Year) in Laos is celebrated not only domestically but also through the exchange of greetings and goodwill between the two nations. The peoples of both countries consider each other’s festivals as their own, which reflects a bond of deep affection and respect.

It is in this joyful context of Boun Pi Mai 2025, corresponding to Buddhist Era 2568, that President Lương Cường’s first State visit to Laos takes place. The timing of the visit adds a layer of symbolic significance, for it is not only a high-level diplomatic engagement but also a reaffirmation of a tradition that has guided the two countries for generations: the principle of standing side by side through both joyous and challenging times. This principle, rooted in shared sacrifices during struggles for independence and reinforced through decades of nation-building, continues to serve as the foundation of the bilateral relationship.

The visit also conveys a clear message of Vietnam’s foreign policy priorities. Vietnam has consistently placed its relations with Laos at the highest level of importance, and this State visit is a reaffirmation of that commitment. It demonstrates Vietnam’s unwavering support for Laos’s Đổi mới, or renovation process, and highlights the closeness between the leadership of the two Parties and States. By addressing a wide range of substantive issues, the visit is expected to infuse new vitality into bilateral cooperation. It will make the partnership more practical, more effective, and more comprehensive, ensuring that it contributes directly to the prosperity and well-being of both peoples.

According to Ambassador Nguyễn Minh Tâm, both countries are currently implementing their Party resolutions and socio-economic development strategies with notable success. The cooperative relationship has already produced remarkable achievements through a series of high-level agreements and intergovernmental mechanisms, which have brought tangible results in various fields such as trade, investment, infrastructure, and education. However, the importance of the visit lies not only in consolidating bilateral friendship but also in creating a platform for both sides to exchange views on regional and global issues. In today’s world, marked by major power competition, shifting alliances, protectionist tendencies, climate change, and non-traditional security threats, the need for Vietnam and Laos to coordinate closely and prioritize each other’s development and security has become more pressing than ever.

Looking toward the future, the visit is expected to set out strategic directions for bilateral cooperation across a broad spectrum of areas. Both countries are determined to reinforce political trust and enhance strategic coordination while maintaining effective mechanisms for consultation and exchange. Discussions will cover experiences in Party-building, the development of political systems, and the pursuit of economic independence. The two sides will also deepen their cooperation in defense and security, which remains a cornerstone of their partnership. This cooperation will allow both nations to respond to traditional and non-traditional security challenges, to safeguard peace and stability, and to maintain a shared border of friendship and sustainable development.

Economic connectivity is another area where the two countries are looking to achieve significant breakthroughs. With bilateral trade turnover surpassing 2 billion US dollars in 2024, both governments are determined to expand their cooperation in areas such as institutional connectivity, transport and logistics infrastructure, renewable energy, digital transformation, telecommunications, high-tech agriculture, and tourism. Vietnamese businesses are being encouraged to increase their investments in Laos, particularly in sectors where Laos has comparative advantages such as clean energy, sustainable agriculture, and the digital economy.

Education and human resource development also stand out as a strategic priority. Both countries acknowledge that human capital is the foundation of future growth. Therefore, they plan to intensify cooperation through student exchanges, postgraduate training, and specialized programs in state management, economics, and science and technology. These initiatives will help Laos cultivate a pool of high-quality human resources that can drive its development. In parallel, Vietnam will continue to support Laos in advancing digital transformation, building e-government platforms, and developing its digital economy. Joint research initiatives will expand into promising fields such as high-tech agriculture, artificial intelligence, and automation, ensuring that both countries remain competitive in the era of the Fourth Industrial Revolution.

Another dimension of cooperation lies at the local level, particularly among provinces and localities along the shared border. These areas are expected to play an increasingly active role in strengthening cross-border trade, promoting cultural and social exchanges, and building closer economic linkages. This type of grassroots cooperation is regarded as a crucial pillar in fostering sustainable and inclusive growth for both nations.

The State visit also coincides with preparations for several important anniversaries in the histories of the two nations: the 80th anniversary of Vietnam’s National Day, the 50th anniversary of Laos’s National Day, the 135th birthday of President Hồ Chí Minh, and the 105th birthday of President Kaysone Phomvihane. Joint commemorations of these milestones will not only deepen the understanding of the historical legacy shared by the two nations but also serve as powerful reminders of the enduring value of the Vietnam–Laos special relationship.

Ambassador Nguyễn Minh Tâm stressed the need for younger generations in both countries to fully grasp the historical and moral significance of this unique bond. It is a relationship forged through loyalty and sacrifice, and it has often been described in poetic terms as “deeper than the waters of the Hồng Hà and Cửu Long rivers, stronger than mountains and rivers, and brighter than the fullest moon or the most fragrant flower.” At the same time, the Ambassador warned of the importance of vigilance in countering any attempts to distort or undermine this invaluable friendship, which remains a rare model of international solidarity in today’s world.

Ultimately, President Lương Cường’s visit is more than just a diplomatic milestone. It represents the continuity of a relationship that has endured wars, faced adversity, and adapted to global changes while never losing sight of its fundamental principles. By honoring tradition and embracing modern forms of cooperation, Vietnam and Laos are charting a course toward a future of shared prosperity, security, and sustainable development.

As Ambassador Nguyễn Minh Tâm concluded, the determination of both Parties, both States, and both peoples ensures that the great friendship, special solidarity, and comprehensive cooperation between Vietnam and Laos will remain evergreen, forever strong, and eternally radiant.