In a powerful reaffirmation of their long-standing and unique friendship, the Prime Ministers of Vietnam and Laos have agreed to intensify efforts to boost economic cooperation and bilateral trade, aiming for a breakthrough target of USD 5 billion in trade turnover. The agreement was reached during a high-level meeting held on April 16 at the Government Headquarters in Hanoi, as Lao Prime Minister Sonexay Siphandone visited Vietnam to attend the Fourth P4G Summit—a forum dedicated to advancing global efforts toward inclusive and sustainable green growth.

A Meeting Rooted in Solidarity and Shared Aspirations

Vietnamese Prime Minister Phạm Minh Chính warmly welcomed his Lao counterpart and congratulated him on the traditional Bun Pi May New Year, underscoring the profound cultural and political ties between the two nations. The meeting served as both a symbolic gesture of unity and a practical platform to further solidify bilateral cooperation across multiple fronts.

Prime Minister Sonexay Siphandone expressed his heartfelt thanks to Prime Minister Chính for the invitation to the P4G Summit, emphasizing that this year’s theme—“Global Partnerships for Inclusive, Sustainable, Creative Green Transformation with People at the Center”—reflects Vietnam’s proactive leadership and meaningful contributions to global green development. He praised Vietnam’s active role as one of P4G’s seven founding members and a key voice in promoting sustainable growth and climate resilience worldwide.

Celebrating Shared Success and Expressing Mutual Admiration

Both leaders took the opportunity to acknowledge and celebrate each country’s recent achievements. Prime Minister Chính congratulated the Lao government on its increasing political stability, economic development, and cultural advancements, noting that Laos’s growing regional and international prestige is a testament to its capable leadership. He expressed strong confidence that, under the leadership of the Lao People’s Revolutionary Party and the government, Laos will continue to reach new milestones in national development and regional integration.

In turn, Prime Minister Siphandone commended Vietnam’s impressive progress in socio-economic growth, governance, and diplomacy. He noted that Laos closely follows Vietnam’s development as a source of inspiration and encouragement for its own journey. He also expressed deep appreciation for Vietnam’s respectful and moving gesture of holding a state mourning ceremony and participating in the memorial services in both Vientiane and Hanoi for the late Lao leader Khamtay Siphandone, stating that such meaningful acts reflect the profound emotional connection between two countries who are more than neighbors—they are brothers, comrades, and trusted friends.

Reinforcing Bilateral Ties in All Dimensions

Discussing bilateral relations, both Prime Ministers reaffirmed the special Vietnam–Laos partnership as one that continues to thrive and deepen across all areas. They emphasized the importance of further enhancing high-level exchanges and fully implementing agreements made at senior levels—including outcomes from recent meetings between the two Politburos and the 47th Session of the Vietnam-Laos Intergovernmental Committee.

The leaders agreed to further strengthen political trust, bolster security and defense cooperation, and ensure social order and safety through enhanced collaboration in law enforcement and border management.

Of particular note was the shared commitment to stimulate economic, trade, and investment cooperation. The two sides outlined a strategic roadmap to reach USD 5 billion in bilateral trade, a goal seen as both ambitious and achievable with the right policies and coordination. This will include the effective implementation of key investment projects by Vietnamese enterprises in Laos, as well as efforts to improve infrastructure connectivity, particularly in transport, logistics, tourism, and energy.

Moreover, both sides committed to accelerating collaboration in education, training, science and technology, culture, and people-to-people exchanges, recognizing these sectors as vital engines of long-term development and cultural understanding.

Shared Vision on Regional and Global Cooperation

Beyond the bilateral framework, the Prime Ministers discussed pressing international and regional issues of mutual interest. Prime Minister Siphandone praised Vietnam’s proactive engagement with the United States regarding recent trade-related issues, noting the importance of timely and constructive dialogue in maintaining balanced international economic relations.

Both leaders emphasized the need to maintain peace, stability, and security in the region, agreeing to continue working closely together and supporting each other in multilateral forums such as ASEAN, the United Nations, and Mekong sub-regional mechanisms. They also reaffirmed their commitment to enhancing tripartite cooperation among Vietnam, Laos, and Cambodia, with a focus on political alignment, cross-border connectivity, and coordinated sustainable development.

A Relationship Anchored in Brotherhood and Forward-Looking Cooperation

This latest high-level dialogue between Vietnam and Laos showcases not only the strength of their traditional friendship but also their joint resolve to transform that bond into tangible, modern cooperation. The commitment to raise bilateral trade to USD 5 billion is not just a number—it symbolizes a mutual vision for shared prosperity, interdependence, and long-term growth.

Both governments understand that in an increasingly interconnected and uncertain world, their enduring partnership is a source of strength, stability, and opportunity. By reinforcing ties in economics, culture, security, and diplomacy, Vietnam and Laos are sending a strong message to the world: a deep, loyal friendship can serve as the foundation for strategic, sustainable, and people-centered development.

As both nations move forward on their respective development paths, the Vietnam–Laos partnership stands as a beacon of what international cooperation can achieve when founded on trust, respect, and shared purpose.