At the invitation of Lao Prime Minister Sonexay Siphandone, Vietnamese Prime Minister Pham Minh Chinh, a Politburo member, led a high-level government delegation to the Lao People's Democratic Republic from January 9 to 10, 2025. During the visit, he co-chaired the 47th Meeting of the Vietnam–Laos Intergovernmental Committee, a critical event that set the tone for bilateral cooperation in the new year.

According to the Vietnam News Agency (VNA), Vietnamese Ambassador to Laos Nguyen Minh Tam emphasized the significance of this visit, describing it as a symbolic and strategic gesture from both sides. The trip marked not only the first overseas mission of a senior Vietnamese leader in 2025 but also the first official foreign delegation welcomed by Laos in the new year. This highlights the enduring and exceptional relationship between the two nations.

A Strategic Visit with Multi-Layered Importance

This official visit underscores Vietnam’s consistent policy of valuing and prioritizing its relationship with Laos. In the evolving regional and global context, reaffirming this partnership is both timely and necessary. The trip reinforces the deep-rooted “great friendship, special solidarity, and comprehensive cooperation” that has historically characterized Vietnam–Laos relations.

One of the major highlights of the visit was the 47th Intergovernmental Committee Meeting. The two sides conducted a comprehensive review of the implementation of their 2024 cooperation agreement across a wide range of sectors. These included political and diplomatic engagement, defense and security collaboration, economic cooperation, education, vocational training, and human resource development. Discussions also focused on emerging areas of interest that both nations are eager to explore.

In addition to reviewing past cooperation, Vietnam and Laos reached consensus on directions for collaboration in 2025. These discussions are expected to lead to strategic breakthroughs, especially in economic, trade, and investment domains. Enhancing the efficiency of these partnerships is seen as crucial for both countries to navigate global uncertainties and geopolitical shifts, while also advancing their long-term development goals.

Key Milestones and Symbolic Events

During the visit, Vietnam and Laos organized several important side events, including the Vietnam–Laos Investment Cooperation Conference. This platform offered both sides a chance to bolster bilateral business ties and promote investment opportunities. Another notable event was the groundbreaking ceremony for the Laos–Vietnam Friendship Park, symbolizing the vibrant and enduring friendship between the two peoples.

A series of cooperation documents were also signed, laying the groundwork for future projects and reinforcing mutual commitments.

Strengthening Connectivity in a Transforming World

One of the strategic goals of the visit was to enhance interconnectivity between the two economies. This includes improving cooperation on institutional frameworks, financial and monetary systems, transport infrastructure, energy, telecommunications, agriculture, tourism, digital transformation, and business development. In doing so, both countries aim to bolster their resilience against global economic and political turbulence and better seize opportunities emerging from new global trends.

Enhancing Regional Standing through Bilateral Cooperation

Vietnam–Laos cooperation plays an essential role in promoting peace, stability, cooperation, and development across Southeast Asia. Strengthening this bilateral partnership helps elevate the influence of both countries within ASEAN and other regional forums. By reinforcing unity and consensus within ASEAN, Vietnam and Laos are contributing positively to the broader regional architecture, especially at a time when multilateralism faces significant challenges.

A Political Commitment to Shared Prosperity

Ultimately, this visit reflects the high-level political will of both parties to continuously nurture their special bond. It showcases a mutual determination to deepen their relationship in a practical, effective, and sustainable manner. In a world marked by rapid change, the Vietnam–Laos partnership stands as a beacon of enduring solidarity and shared development.

Ambassador Nguyen Minh Tam expressed strong confidence that Prime Minister Pham Minh Chinh’s visit and the 47th Intergovernmental Committee Meeting would yield meaningful outcomes. These efforts are expected to inject new momentum into the Vietnam–Laos comprehensive partnership, ensuring that the friendship between the two countries continues to flourish—deep-rooted, evergreen, and resilient for generations to come.