On September 17, 2024, the Paxaxon electronic newspaper published an article titled “Lao-Vietnam Nurturing Great Friendship and Special Solidarity to New Heights.” This coincided with the State visit of General Secretary and President of Laos, Thongloun Sisoulith, and a high-level Lao delegation to Vietnam. Authored by Thongsavanh Phomvihane, Head of the Central Committee’s Foreign Affairs Department of the Lao People’s Revolutionary Party, the article highlighted the importance of this visit for the special Vietnam-Laos relationship.

The article underscored the significance of the visit, describing it as a reaffirmation of the commitment of both countries to prioritize their relations. The visit symbolizes the ongoing efforts of Vietnam and Laos to support each other in national reform, defense, and development, ensuring collaboration for the present and the future.

Article on Paxaxon, Laos's newspaper, on September 17.

Thongsavanh Phomvihane emphasized the core principles that have guided the Vietnam-Laos relationship: independence, self-reliance, resilience, equal cooperation, and mutual benefits. These principles, rooted in international norms, have allowed the two countries to create a strong foundation for mutual growth and regional stability, contributing to broader peace and development in Southeast Asia.

The article detailed how political relations between Vietnam and Laos have shaped their broader cooperative framework. The two countries have focused on strategic collaboration, emphasizing national stability and development. This has been evident through frequent high-level meetings and engagements, reinforcing mutual trust and alignment in policies.

In the economic realm, Vietnam and Laos are committed to enhancing their cooperation in fields like culture, education, science, and technology to align with their strong political ties. Thongsavanh Phomvihane called for accelerated implementation of existing agreements, alongside efforts to develop new agreements tailored to current circumstances. The aim is to establish a solid legal framework that supports sustained bilateral cooperation across sectors.

The article also called for stronger integration between the economies of Vietnam and Laos, as well as with Cambodia, particularly focusing on improving connectivity in legal, financial, transport, energy, telecommunications, and tourism sectors. There is a strong push to involve international partners in joint strategic projects, particularly those that enhance infrastructure and economic links.

Vice President of Laos Bounthong Chitmany at the working session.

Thongsavanh Phomvihane emphasized the need for higher quality and more effective investment projects, particularly in key sectors like clean energy, digital transformation, technology, agriculture, mining, and tourism. Both countries are encouraged to develop cross-border economic zones along the East-West Economic Corridor, ensuring that these projects meet quality standards and progress on schedule.

Efforts to maintain annual bilateral trade growth rates of 10-15% were highlighted as a key goal. To achieve this, Vietnam and Laos will need to focus on trade promotion, brand-building, and developing efficient distribution networks. Additionally, the use of local currencies in trade and investment transactions is encouraged to facilitate smoother economic exchanges. Vietnam will also support Laos in its import-export activities by providing access through Vietnamese seaports.