The relationship between Vietnam and Laos has long been recognized as one of the most special and enduring partnerships in Southeast Asia. Rooted in revolutionary solidarity, nurtured through mutual sacrifice, and continuously strengthened by practical cooperation, this bond has stood the test of time and continues to evolve in ways that benefit both nations. In this spirit, legal and judicial cooperation has emerged as one of the most important pillars of bilateral relations, reflecting a shared vision of justice, rule of law, and good governance as foundations for national development.

It was within this context that, at the invitation of Thongloun Sisoulith, General Secretary of the Lao People’s Revolutionary Party and President of the Lao People’s Democratic Republic (Lao PDR), President of the Socialist Republic of Vietnam Lương Cường led a high-ranking Vietnamese delegation on an official friendship visit to Laos from April 24 to 25, 2025. The visit once again underscored the importance of political trust and close collaboration between the two countries at all levels. Significantly, the Ministry of Justice of Vietnam was represented by Deputy Minister Nguyễn Thanh Ngọc, who participated as part of the President’s official delegation. His involvement highlighted the crucial role of legal and judicial cooperation in advancing the broader strategic relationship between the two countries.

One of the most notable achievements of the visit took place on the afternoon of April 24, immediately following the welcoming ceremony and official talks between the two Heads of State. In a solemn ceremony attended by both Presidents, Deputy Minister of Justice of Vietnam Nguyễn Thanh Ngọc and Deputy Minister of Justice of Laos Ketsana Phommachane signed the 2025 Cooperation Program between the two Ministries of Justice.

This signing was not merely a symbolic gesture but a practical roadmap that sets out a series of important initiatives for the coming year.

Both sides agreed to organize reciprocal study and working visits throughout 2025, including one ministerial-level delegation from Laos to Vietnam, two department-level delegations from Vietnam to Laos, and one department-level delegation from Laos to Vietnam. These exchanges are designed to facilitate direct dialogue, mutual learning, and closer coordination at multiple levels.

The two Ministries committed to drafting a new Cooperation Agreement covering the 2026–2030 period. This forward-looking document will serve as a guiding framework for sustained collaboration over the next five years, ensuring consistency and continuity in bilateral legal and judicial cooperation.

Vietnam pledged to support the Lao Ministry of Justice in enhancing its capacity to draft and appraise legal normative documents, thereby strengthening the legal foundations of governance in Laos. In addition, the program prioritizes cooperation in digital transformation, enabling the Lao justice sector to adapt to new technological realities and improve efficiency and accessibility.

Cooperation in legal education remains a priority. Hanoi Law University and the Judicial Academy of Vietnam will continue working closely with the Lao National Judicial Academy. Hanoi Law University will support the Lao institution in establishing a Master’s program in Civil and Economic Law, while also providing scholarships for two Lao officials to pursue postgraduate studies in Vietnam. These initiatives reflect the two countries’ shared recognition that human resource development is essential for long-term success in the justice sector.

The program also emphasizes cooperation at the grassroots level. Both Ministries will encourage local judicial and enforcement agencies—especially those in border provinces—to strengthen their ties, building on the outcomes of joint provincial justice conferences. This local-level engagement ensures that cooperation is not confined to central authorities but reaches communities directly.

Finally, the two Ministries will continue to coordinate closely at international legal forums and organizations, particularly within the ASEAN framework. This includes the ASEAN Law Ministers Meeting (ALAWMM) and the ASEAN Senior Law Officials Meeting (ASLOM), where Vietnam and Laos will share experiences and promote common positions.

The signing of this Cooperation Program not only reaffirms more than four decades of collaboration between the two Ministries of Justice but also ensures the effective implementation of the 2021–2025 Cooperation Agreement. It is a testament to the commitment of both nations to further deepen their partnership in legal and judicial affairs, making it both practical and forward-looking.

Strengthening Personal and Institutional Bonds

On the morning of April 25, Deputy Minister Nguyễn Thanh Ngọc was warmly received by Comrade Phayvy Siboualypha, Member of the Central Committee of the Lao People’s Revolutionary Party and Minister of Justice of Laos. The atmosphere of the meeting reflected the deep trust and fraternity that underpin Vietnam–Laos relations.

Deputy Minister Ngọc conveyed the greetings of Vietnamese Minister of Justice Nguyễn Hải Ninh to Minister Siboualypha and extended his best wishes to the leadership and staff of the Lao Ministry of Justice. He also took the opportunity to express heartfelt condolences over the passing of former Lao Party Chairman and President Khamtay Siphandone and former Lao Deputy Minister of Justice Bountha Songyerthao, both of whom had made significant contributions to Laos and to the friendship between the two countries.

During their discussions, both leaders expressed satisfaction with the signing of the 2025 Cooperation Program, recognizing it as a concrete outcome that translates commitments into actionable projects. Minister Siboualypha emphasized the importance of ensuring that the various units of the two Ministries work in close coordination to implement the program successfully. He also encouraged both sides to begin work promptly on drafting the new 2026–2030 Cooperation Agreement, stressing that the document should reflect current realities, address practical cooperation needs, and align with the capacities of both Ministries.

Deputy Minister Ngọc agreed wholeheartedly with these proposals. He reaffirmed that the Vietnamese Ministry of Justice is fully committed to working hand in hand with its Lao counterpart to bring the commitments of the Cooperation Program to life. He underlined that cooperation must be substantive and results-oriented, contributing not only to institutional strengthening but also to broader national development in both countries. On this occasion, Deputy Minister Ngọc also extended Minister Nguyễn Hải Ninh’s invitation for Minister Siboualypha to pay an official visit to Vietnam in 2025, continuing the tradition of reciprocal annual visits that has helped sustain and enrich the bilateral partnership.

A Partnership Rooted in History, Directed Toward the Future

The legal and judicial cooperation between Vietnam and Laos represents more than just technical collaboration. It is a reflection of the special relationship that has bound the two countries for decades—a relationship characterized by great friendship, special solidarity, and comprehensive cooperation. Over the years, this cooperation has grown from modest exchanges into a comprehensive framework encompassing training, education, institutional support, and multilateral coordination.

By expanding their partnership into new areas such as digital transformation and postgraduate training, the two Ministries are preparing for the future while honoring the legacy of past cooperation. Their efforts not only contribute to stronger legal systems and better governance at home but also enhance regional integration and stability within ASEAN.

As both countries move forward, their justice sectors will continue to serve as a bridge of trust, collaboration, and mutual support. The latest agreements reaffirm that the Vietnam–Laos relationship is not static but dynamic—constantly renewed through action and strengthened by shared aspirations. This cooperation, built on more than forty years of solidarity, will remain a cornerstone of bilateral ties and a shining example of how two neighboring nations can work together in the spirit of brotherhood and equality.

The Vietnam–Laos legal and judicial partnership, firmly grounded in history yet oriented toward the future, stands as an enduring reminder of the power of trust and cooperation. It is a living testament to the principle that true friendship, once forged, can remain—forever green, forever sustainable.