The Official Visit of National Assembly Chairman Trần Thanh Mẫn to Laos and Attendance at the AIPA-45 General Assembly Successfully Concludes, Deepening the Special Vietnam-Laos Relationship.

Chairman of the National Assembly Trần Thanh Mẫn held talks with Chairman of the National Assembly of Laos Saysomphone Phomvihane.

National Assembly Chairman Trần Thanh Mẫn’s official visit to the Lao People's Democratic Republic and his participation in the AIPA-45 General Assembly successfully concluded, further deepening the special relationship between Vietnam and Laos. This was Chairman Trần Thanh Mẫn’s first official foreign trip within Southeast Asia as the head of the legislative body.

During the visit, National Assembly Chairman Trần Thanh Mẫn held talks with Lao National Assembly Chairman Saysomphone Phomvihane. The visit underscored Vietnam’s consistent policy of prioritizing and cherishing the development of a great friendship, special solidarity, and comprehensive cooperation with Laos. It also reaffirmed Vietnam’s strong and comprehensive support for Laos’ reforms, defense, and nation-building, reflecting the deep trust and bond between the two countries' high-ranking leaders.

 The delegation of senior officials from the National Assembly of Vietnam and Laos takes a commemorative photo.

After the Vietnamese delegation arrived in Vientiane, an important meeting was held in a warm atmosphere of friendship. Both National Assembly chairmen agreed that the Vietnam-Laos relationship—fostered by leaders such as President Hồ Chí Minh, President Kaysone Phomvihane, and President Souphanouvong—has been honed through challenges and bonded by the efforts and sacrifices of many generations. This legacy is an invaluable asset for both nations.

Both leaders were pleased with the developments in legislative cooperation between the two countries and proposed further exchanges, particularly in legislative construction, law enforcement, supreme oversight, and decisions on key national issues.

The two National Assemblies are closely coordinating on implementing bilateral agreements, overseeing investment cooperation projects, and facilitating Vietnamese businesses investing in Laos. They are also cooperating and supporting each other in regional and international forums, contributing to a stable and peaceful environment for development.

During his visit, Chairman Trần Thanh Mẫn met with Lao leaders, including General Secretary and President Thongloun Sisoulith and Prime Minister Sonexay Siphandone. President Thongloun Sisoulith expressed gratitude to Vietnam for its solidarity and support in both past struggles for liberation and in Laos’ current development. He praised Vietnam’s assistance, especially during ASEAN 2024 chairmanship, despite Vietnam’s own challenges.

Chairman Trần Thanh Mẫn and President Thongloun Sisoulith noted the firm and stable development of the Vietnam-Laos relationship in recent years, highlighting the vital contributions of both National Assemblies. They emphasized the need to further enhance cooperation and trust, implementing high-level agreements actively.

In meetings, Chairman Trần Thanh Mẫn reiterated Vietnam’s enduring commitment to its unique relationship with Laos, consistently supporting Laos’ efforts in national defense, reform, and development.

According to Vũ Hải Hà, Chairman of the Foreign Affairs Committee of Vietnam’s National Assembly, this visit once again affirmed Vietnam’s unwavering policy of valuing the great friendship, special solidarity, and comprehensive cooperation with Laos, from the days of liberation struggles to today’s efforts in national defense and development.

A Key Source of Strength and Survival

The common message of leaders from both Vietnam and Laos during this visit was that solidarity and mutual assistance between the two nations' Parties, States, and National Assemblies is a historical rule and a vital source of strength in their journey of nation-building.

In Vientiane, Chairman Trần Thanh Mẫn met with Lao leaders, representatives of the Laos-Vietnam Friendship Association, and officials of the Lao National Assembly. He also visited the Vietnamese Embassy and met with the Vietnamese community in Laos.

He commended Vietnamese associations in Laos, including the Vietnam General Association and the Vietnam Business Association in Laos, for uniting the Vietnamese community, engaging in social activities, and actively participating in Vietnam’s policies and initiatives.

Vietnamese Ambassador to Laos Nguyễn Minh Tâm emphasized that Chairman Trần Thanh Mẫn’s visit has special importance for strengthening Vietnam-Laos solidarity, contributing to peace and development in the region and the world.

In Vientiane, Laos warmly welcomed the Vietnamese delegation, underscoring the unique Vietnam-Laos relationship.

Overcoming All Challenges Together

Chairman Trần Thanh Mẫn’s participation at AIPA-45 reflects Vietnam’s proactive contribution to strengthening ASEAN unity, intra-bloc cooperation, and fostering relationships with ASEAN’s parliamentary partners. He delivered a keynote speech at the AIPA-45 plenary, highlighting parliamentary cooperation as a driving force in building a rule-based ASEAN Community centered on the people.

 Chairman of the National Assembly Trần Thanh Mẫn and the heads of delegations along with delegates take a group photo.

Chairman Trần Thanh Mẫn outlined five priority orientations to bolster ASEAN unity and AIPA’s role in promoting regional peace, stability, and development, advocating for ASEAN’s independence and strategic autonomy and adherence to international law, including the 1982 United Nations Convention on the Law of the Sea.

Lao National Assembly Vice Chairman Sounthone Xayachaki appreciated the Vietnamese delegation’s contributions to AIPA-45, which contributed significantly to the conference's success. Looking ahead, Vietnam proposed four initiatives to promote socio-economic development and digital and green transitions.

In total, Vietnam's contributions, including co-sponsoring resolutions, demonstrate its active role in AIPA-45 and its commitment to ASEAN’s goals.