On October 8, 2024, Vietnamese Prime Minister Pham Minh Chinh met with Lao Prime Minister Sonexay Siphandone in Vientiane, ahead of the 44th and 45th ASEAN Summits. The meeting reaffirmed the enduring solidarity between Vietnam and Laos, characterized by a strong bond of mutual trust and cooperation across multiple sectors. Prime Minister Pham Minh Chinh underscored that the relationship between the two nations has never been stronger, with significant achievements in economic, trade, defense, and cultural collaborations.

During the discussions, both leaders emphasized the importance of further strengthening economic ties, especially as the world grapples with complex geopolitical changes and economic challenges. The Vietnamese Prime Minister called for expanding cooperation in several emerging fields, including digital transformation, green growth, and the circular economy. These areas are seen as critical for both nations to modernize their economies and embrace sustainable development practices. Additionally, the focus was placed on developing high-tech agriculture and ensuring food security, recognizing that these sectors are key to long-term economic stability and growth.

Prime Minister Pham Minh Chinh also highlighted the importance of investing in human capital, suggesting that Vietnam and Laos enhance collaboration in education and vocational training to build a workforce capable of meeting future demands. He further proposed joint efforts in the preservation and restoration of shared historical and cultural heritage sites, reflecting the deep historical bonds between the two countries.

In response, Lao Prime Minister Sonexay Siphandone expressed his agreement with the proposals made by his Vietnamese counterpart, reaffirming that the strong political ties between the two countries serve as a foundation for advancing cooperation in other areas. Prime Minister Sonexay expressed deep gratitude for the unwavering support that Vietnam has extended to Laos throughout its history, from the period of national liberation to the present era of economic development. He assured Vietnam that the Lao government would continue to work closely with Vietnamese enterprises to ensure the timely and effective implementation of joint projects, particularly in infrastructure, transportation, and tourism.

Both Prime Ministers agreed on the need to strengthen connectivity between their economies, with a special focus on improving infrastructure and transportation links. They acknowledged that better connectivity would not only facilitate trade and investment between Vietnam and Laos but also enhance the flow of tourists and bolster cultural exchanges. This comprehensive economic integration, they noted, would contribute significantly to the sustainable growth of both countries.

Security and defense cooperation also featured prominently in the discussions. Both leaders agreed to continue close collaboration in maintaining national security and ensuring social stability in their respective countries. They emphasized the importance of defense ties in safeguarding the peaceful development of the region and vowed to coordinate efforts to address shared security challenges.

As the world faces an increasingly unpredictable global landscape, the two leaders reiterated the importance of regional cooperation, particularly within the framework of the ASEAN community. They also stressed the value of trilateral cooperation between Vietnam, Laos, and Cambodia, affirming that strengthening this trilateral relationship would contribute to regional peace, stability, and development.

Looking ahead, both Prime Ministers committed to maintaining frequent high-level exchanges to continuously reinforce their countries’ close political relationship and economic partnership. They agreed to coordinate efforts in implementing high-level agreements, particularly those reached between the Politburos of Vietnam and Laos, ensuring that these initiatives translate into tangible benefits for both nations.

The meeting between Prime Minister Pham Minh Chinh and Prime Minister Sonexay Siphandone was a clear reaffirmation of the deep and enduring relationship between Vietnam and Laos, underscoring their shared commitment to strengthening ties across multiple sectors. Both leaders expressed optimism that with ongoing cooperation, Vietnam and Laos will continue to thrive, even as they navigate the complexities of a rapidly evolving global landscape.