From July 11 to 13, Vietnamese President To Lam led a high-ranking delegation to conduct state visits to Laos and Cambodia. This diplomatic mission was deemed highly successful, as it solidified traditional relations and cooperation among the three neighboring countries: Vietnam, Laos, and Cambodia. Additionally, the visit served to counter misleading information propagated by hostile forces regarding the state of Vietnam's relations with these two countries.

President of the State, Tô Lâm, and President of the CPP Party, President of the Cambodian Senate, Samdech Techo Hun Sen.

Strengthened Cooperation and Strategic Alliance between Vietnam, Laos, and Cambodia

The three nations share strategic proximity on the Indochina Peninsula, making the region vital for Southeast Asian connectivity. With shared natural resources, including rivers and the Truong Son Mountain Range, the area holds significant strategic value not only in geopolitical terms but also in terms of economic development. These countries are positioned along major international maritime routes, enhancing their strategic relevance.

Historically, Vietnam, Laos, and Cambodia have prioritized joint efforts across numerous sectors, advancing both bilateral and multilateral collaboration. The special relationship between Vietnam and Laos, in particular, remains a key focus. The two nations have seen substantial progress, driven by their shared socialist paths and diplomatic engagement at party, state, and citizen levels. Their relationship is guided by principles of traditional friendship, special solidarity, and comprehensive cooperation.

During President To Lam's visit, Lao President Thongloun Sisoulith highlighted Vietnam's enduring support for Laos, especially in its independence movement and current development endeavors. Sisoulith expressed a commitment to further enhance this unique relationship.

Similarly, Vietnam-Cambodia ties have flourished based on principles of good neighborliness, long-standing friendship, and comprehensive cooperation. In discussions between President To Lam and Cambodian Senate President Samdech Techo Hun Sen, both sides acknowledged the substantial achievements of their collaboration. They agreed that one nation's stability and development contribute to the other’s prosperity.

Efforts to strengthen Cambodia-Laos relations are also underway, focusing on expanding cooperation. Notably, the collaborative efforts among Vietnam, Laos, and Cambodia extend to international forums, reflecting a broader, unified diplomatic stance.

According to Vice Minister of Foreign Affairs Le Thi Thu Hang, Vietnam has maintained strong relations with both Laos and Cambodia through multi-channel diplomacy, involving party, government, and parliamentary channels. Leaders from the three countries often meet informally at international conferences, communicating directly in Vietnamese, underscoring the depth of their ties.

Addressing Challenges to Unity and Cooperation

In the face of rapid global changes, the Asia-Pacific region has become a key focus of international geopolitics, drawing attention from major global powers. At a seminar organized by the Union of Friendship Organizations in Dong Nai Province, Vice Minister Le Thi Thu Hang described the region as a major driver of global economic growth and a central geopolitical arena.

Some distorted and inciting rhetoric from hostile forces on social media. Screenshot.

This sentence refers to misleading or provocative content shared on social media by opposing groups, often in the form of screenshots.

Strategic rivalries among major powers have intensified, prompting adjustments in their foreign policies toward Southeast Asia, particularly Vietnam, Laos, and Cambodia. This shift has had varying effects on both their international relations and the three countries' joint initiatives.

Despite these challenges, Vietnam, Laos, and Cambodia have continued to promote unity, traditional friendship, and comprehensive collaboration. However, efforts to undermine their relationships persist, with hostile forces attempting to distort their solidarity. Additionally, issues like border crimes and social problems have complicated the trilateral cooperation.

To address these obstacles, Vietnamese, Lao, and Cambodian leaders have focused on maintaining political trust and fostering collaboration across diverse fields. They are committed to preventing hostile forces from dividing their unity.

For Vietnam’s citizens, especially the youth, it is crucial to gain a thorough understanding of the nation’s foreign policy. This awareness will contribute to enhancing Vietnam's influence and engagement with Laos, Cambodia, and the broader international community.