Achievements and directions

The loyal and pure relationship between Vietnam and Laos was founded by President Ho Chi Minh, President Kaysone Phomvihane and President Souphanouvong, and has been diligently cultivated by generations of leaders and people of the two countries. With the spirit of “biting a grain of rice in half, breaking a stalk of vegetable in half”, Vietnam and Laos have always supported and helped each other in the struggle for national liberation, as well as in the cause of protecting, building and developing the country. The important achievements that Vietnam has achieved have been accompanied by the brotherly country of Laos, and at the same time are a great source of encouragement for the cause of building and developing Laos.

Through regular exchanges of delegations and contacts at all levels, the Vietnam-Laos relationship has become increasingly close and trustworthy. The relationship between the two countries has continued to develop well in recent times. Political relations play an important role in guiding the overall relationship between the two countries. The two sides have well organized foreign affairs activities between high-ranking leaders of the two Parties and the two States; signed cooperation documents in many important fields. Defense and security cooperation has continued to be strengthened, becoming increasingly close and effective. The two sides have coordinated well to implement the Protocol on cooperation for the 2020-2024 period and the 2024 Cooperation Plan on defense and security.

Economic, trade and investment cooperation is being promoted. Bilateral trade turnover in the first seven months of 2024 reached 1.1 billion USD, up 16.7% over the same period in 2023. Cooperation areas such as education and training, health care, culture, people-to-people exchange, etc. continue to achieve positive results. Many cultural, artistic and sports exchange activities organized by both sides have contributed to strengthening solidarity and mutual understanding between the people of the two countries.

The consistent policy of both countries is to always attach importance to and give the highest priority to consolidating the great friendship, special solidarity and comprehensive cooperation between Vietnam and Laos. This has been repeatedly affirmed by the leaders of the two countries' Parties and States. Along with discussing the results of cooperation achieved, the two sides also proposed cooperation directions in the new period to continue to make the Vietnam-Laos relationship more substantial and effective.

In the coming time, the two sides agreed to focus on implementing high-level cooperation agreements, such as the Agreement on Vietnam-Laos bilateral cooperation for the 2021-2025 period and the Vietnam-Laos strategic cooperation agreement for the 2021-2030 period...

The two sides also affirmed to continue maintaining high-level visits and contacts; and to improve the effectiveness of bilateral cooperation mechanisms. Promoting economic, trade and investment cooperation is a focus of both sides to bring more practical benefits to the people of the two countries.

Regarding international and regional issues of mutual concern, the two sides agreed that, in the context of the current complicated developments in the world and region, the two sides need to promote the tradition of close coordination and mutual support at multilateral organizations and forums, especially the United Nations, ASEAN and sub-regional cooperation mechanisms.

Vietnam continues to affirm its support and assistance for Laos to successfully assume the responsibilities of ASEAN Chair and AIPA Chair in 2024, thereby contributing to maintaining the solidarity and central role of the Association, while enhancing the role and position of Laos in the region and the world.

The achievements of cooperation between the two countries in all fields have become an important driving force to maintain political stability, socio-economic development, and ensure national defense and security in each country. The great friendship, special solidarity and comprehensive cooperation between Vietnam and Laos have increasingly deepened, also contributing positively to peace, stability, cooperation and development in the region and the world.