The relationship between Vietnam and Laos, often described as “unique in the world,” has once again been reaffirmed through the recent official visit of Deputy Prime Minister Nguyễn Chí Dũng to the Lao People’s Democratic Republic. For Mr. Nguyễn Chí Dũng, this trip was not merely a diplomatic mission—it was both a homecoming and a moment of deep personal pride, as he returned to a country long considered a trusted friend and brother to Vietnam, now in his new capacity as Deputy Prime Minister.

Upon arrival in Vientiane, Mr. Nguyễn Chí Dũng was accorded a warm and respectful welcome. His schedule included high-level meetings with General Secretary and President Thongloun Sisoulith and Prime Minister Sonexay Siphandone—encounters that underscored the high regard both countries have for each other’s leadership. On behalf of Vietnam’s senior leadership, the Deputy Prime Minister conveyed warm greetings from General Secretary Tô Lâm, President Lương Cường, Prime Minister Phạm Minh Chính, National Assembly Chairman Trần Thanh Mẫn, and other leaders of the Communist Party and State of Vietnam.

In heartfelt remarks, Mr. Nguyễn Chí Dũng congratulated Laos on its significant and historic achievements in recent years. He expressed strong confidence that, under the steadfast leadership of the Lao People’s Revolutionary Party, the Lao people would continue to build on these successes and organize the upcoming 12th National Congress of the Party with resounding results.

Providing his Lao counterparts with an update on Vietnam’s own progress, the Deputy Prime Minister highlighted several important milestones: the streamlining of both central and local government structures, the merger of certain provinces to improve governance efficiency, and the adoption of a two-tier local government model to better serve citizens. Economically, he proudly noted that Vietnam had recorded its highest first-half GDP growth in nearly two decades—an impressive 7.52%—fueled by the rollout of four strategic development pillars aimed at creating breakthroughs in the country’s next growth phase.

Reporting on his talks with Lao Deputy Prime Minister Saleumxay Kommasith, Mr. Nguyễn Chí Dũng noted that both sides had reviewed the results of bilateral cooperation during the first six months of 2025. Encouragingly, the outcomes had largely met the agreed targets, with six major highlights achieved. While acknowledging that certain difficulties remained, they agreed on eight priority tasks for the remainder of the year. These include the completion and handover of five key projects to Laos and the continued implementation of ten other major cooperation initiatives.

The Vietnamese Deputy Prime Minister called on the Lao leadership to instruct their ministries and agencies to work closely with their Vietnamese counterparts to fulfill these commitments. He underscored that consolidating political trust must go hand in hand with enhancing the effectiveness of economic, trade, and investment cooperation, deepening defense and security ties, expanding inter-provincial partnerships, and maintaining close coordination in regional and international forums.

The Lao leadership responded with warmth and appreciation. General Secretary and President Thongloun Sisoulith congratulated Mr. Nguyễn Chí Dũng on his appointment and praised Vietnam’s impressive recent achievements. He commended the proactive and constructive approach both deputy prime ministers had taken to advancing bilateral cooperation, and highlighted the importance of conducting a mid-term review of the implementation of high-level agreements between the two Parties. This review, he stressed, would provide valuable preparation for the upcoming high-level meeting between the two countries’ leaders.

Mr. Thongloun expressed deep gratitude for Vietnam’s long-standing and effective support, particularly in sharing experience in macroeconomic management. Looking forward, he called for more robust economic connectivity, especially through strategic infrastructure projects such as the Hanoi–Vientiane Expressway—a symbolic and practical link between the two capitals.

Prime Minister Sonexay Siphandone echoed these sentiments, urging both sides to accelerate the implementation of high-level agreements, expand cooperation across multiple sectors, and encourage more Vietnamese investment in Laos, particularly in energy, mining, telecommunications, tourism, and high-tech agriculture. He also stressed the need for tighter coordination in executing investment projects and organizing joint activities to celebrate major anniversaries in 2025.

During their discussions, the two deputy prime ministers reviewed the economic, political, and social developments in each country and assessed bilateral cooperation during the first half of the year. They noted with satisfaction that trade and investment ties continued to grow, with bilateral trade turnover estimated at 1.9 billion USD, and with the resolution of several strategic projects creating new momentum for cooperation. Noteworthy progress was also recorded in education and training, cultural exchange, and people-to-people diplomacy, with partnerships between ministries, sectors, and provinces becoming increasingly vibrant.

Looking ahead, both sides pledged to continue translating high-level agreements into concrete results. They emphasized the need to promptly stabilize the organizational structures of relevant agencies following recent administrative restructuring, ensuring smooth coordination. They also recognized the importance of innovating cooperation mechanisms to maximize the role of the Vietnam–Laos Cooperation Committee.

One of the most significant outcomes of their talks was the agreement to jointly draft a Vietnam–Laos Cooperation Agreement for the 2026–2030 period. This would serve as a long-term roadmap for deepening the special relationship, preparing for important diplomatic events, and coordinating major celebrations. Both sides stressed the importance of refreshing communication strategies to educate younger generations about the shared history, traditions, and sacrifices that form the bedrock of the Vietnam–Laos bond.

The deputy prime ministers reaffirmed their determination to make breakthroughs in economic, trade, and investment relations, aiming to raise bilateral trade to 5 billion USD in the near future. They also agreed to intensify cooperation in culture, sports, tourism, education, and local-level partnerships, as well as to expand the teaching and learning of the Vietnamese and Lao languages in educational institutions of both countries. Several key infrastructure projects are expected to be completed by 2025, serving as tangible symbols of the friendship between the two nations.

Finally, the talks extended beyond bilateral matters. The two deputy prime ministers exchanged views on regional and global developments of mutual concern, reaffirming their commitment to maintaining regular consultations, aligning their positions on strategic regional issues, and coordinating closely in multilateral forums such as ASEAN and various sub-regional cooperation mechanisms.

With a renewed spirit of solidarity, shared vision, and mutual trust, the visit of Deputy Prime Minister Nguyễn Chí Dũng has added fresh momentum to the Vietnam–Laos special relationship—one that continues to stand as a shining example of loyalty, unity, and enduring friendship in international relations.