Economic cooperation between Vietnam and Laos has seen strong and consistent growth in recent years. In 2024, two-way trade reached USD 2.2 billion, up 33.9% from 2023. The momentum continued into 2025, with bilateral trade in the first four months alone reaching USD 1.3 billion — a remarkable 109.3% increase compared to the same period last year.

Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Foreign Affairs Bùi Thanh Sơn holds talks with Acting Head of the Lao Party Central Committee’s External Relations Commission, Bounleua Phandanouvong.

On June 2, at a meeting with Mr. Bounleua Phandanouvong, Acting Head of the Lao Party Central Committee’s External Relations Commission, Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Foreign Affairs Bùi Thanh Sơn expressed confidence that this visit would mark the start of a new phase of cooperation between Vietnam’s Ministry of Foreign Affairs and the Lao External Relations Commission, contributing to the continued advancement of bilateral relations.

Deputy Prime Minister Sơn stressed the significance of Mr. Bounleua’s visit, which comes as both countries prepare for their respective National Party Congresses, and shortly after Vietnam’s integration of the Party Central Committee’s External Relations Commission into the Ministry of Foreign Affairs. He expressed hope that the visit would yield concrete outcomes and congratulated Laos on its recent achievements.

Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Foreign Affairs Bùi Thanh Sơn holds talks with Acting Head of the Lao Party Central Committee’s External Relations Commission, Bounleua Phandanouvong.

For his part, Mr. Bounleua noted that this was his first official overseas trip in his new role, underscoring the Lao Party and State’s consistent policy of giving the highest priority to the special relationship with Vietnam. He emphasized that every milestone in Laos’ history — from the struggle for independence to national development — has been closely tied to the valuable support of Vietnam’s Party, State, and people.

Both sides expressed satisfaction at the strong and effective development of Vietnam–Laos cooperation across all fields. Political relations have been reinforced through regular high-level exchanges, while security–defense cooperation remains a key pillar. Economic collaboration has expanded, with the inauguration of Vũng Áng Port’s Terminal 3 standing as a symbol of bilateral solidarity and a gateway for Laos to access the sea, opening a new chapter for economic connectivity.

Other priority areas — including transport connectivity, education and training, culture, people-to-people exchanges, and collaboration at regional and international forums — have also seen tangible results. Cooperation between ministries, sectors, and localities along the shared border continues to deepen.

The two sides commended the close coordination between their respective external relations agencies, and agreed to build on this foundation by implementing high-level agreements, preparing a Vietnam–Laos cooperation framework for 2026–2030, and ensuring the success of upcoming high-level diplomatic activities. They also agreed to increase information exchange, share experiences in Party building, jointly organize major commemorative events, and promote public awareness of the special Vietnam–Laos friendship.

Exchanging views on regional and global developments, both sides reaffirmed their commitment to close coordination on strategic issues, maintaining unity within ASEAN and sub-regional cooperation mechanisms, and strengthening bilateral channels to highlight the value of Vietnam–Laos relations within the socialist community and beyond.