From July 11–12, 2024, President To Lam led a high-level Vietnamese delegation on an official state visit to Laos at the invitation of Lao President Thongloun Sisoulith. This visit, marking President To Lam’s first overseas trip since taking office, emphasized Vietnam’s strong commitment to its special relationship with Laos. The visit took place against a backdrop of rapidly evolving global and regional dynamics, and it aimed to deepen the Vietnam-Laos partnership, making it more effective and mutually beneficial.

This trip also highlighted Vietnam’s support for Laos as it assumed the rotating chairmanship of ASEAN in 2024, helping Laos prepare for a successful ASEAN Summit and related meetings during its third term in this key regional role.

Vietnam and Laos share a long-standing bond of friendship, solidarity, and comprehensive cooperation, which was originally forged during their struggles for national liberation. This relationship remains a crucial pillar of stability and development for both nations. Throughout 2024, the two countries have been implementing key agreements and cooperation plans while addressing challenges in areas such as trade, economics, and investment. Political cooperation has also strengthened, guiding the overall relationship and fostering closer ties through regular exchanges between their leaders and peoples.

Both countries have continued to collaborate closely at international forums, including the United Nations and ASEAN, as well as within the Mekong sub-region. Cooperation in defense, security, trade, and investment has expanded, becoming more substantive and effective. One of the key highlights of their bilateral relationship is their cooperation on border issues, which has contributed to political stability and security in both nations.

Vietnam remains one of Laos’ largest investors, with 255 active projects valued at $5.5 billion in sectors such as finance, energy, telecommunications, and agriculture. These investments are playing a crucial role in Laos’ socio-economic development, while trade between the two countries has continued to grow by more than 10% annually in recent years. Additionally, both nations have been advancing key infrastructure and clean energy projects aimed at further strengthening economic ties.

Education and human resource development have remained central to their cooperation, with both nations implementing the comprehensive plan to enhance educational cooperation through 2030. Cooperation between Party organizations, National Assemblies, ministries, and sectors has deepened, fostering stronger, more effective relationships. Relations between the localities of the two countries have also progressed, contributing to mutual support and collaboration.

During Lao Prime Minister Sonexay Siphandone’s visit to Vietnam earlier this year, he praised the enduring cooperation between the two countries, noting their joint efforts to tackle increasingly complex global challenges. Both sides remain committed to ensuring that the Vietnam-Laos border serves as a symbol of friendship and sustainable development, reinforcing that the security of one country is closely tied to that of the other.

Lao Ambassador Khamphao Ernthavanh emphasized the importance of educating future generations about the sacrifices made to preserve the special Vietnam-Laos relationship.

President To Lam’s decision to visit Laos on his first foreign trip, timed around the anniversary of the Vietnam-Laos Treaty of Friendship and Cooperation, reaffirmed Vietnam’s priority in maintaining and enhancing its great friendship, special solidarity, and comprehensive cooperation with Laos. This visit underscored the enduring significance of the treaty in fostering peace and collaboration between the two countries.