Vientiane: General Secretary of the Communist Party of Vietnam To Lam will pay a state visit to the Lao PDR on February 5-6, marking the first high-level exchange following the 14th National Congress of the CPV and the 12th National Congress of the Lao People's Revolutionary Party (LPRP).
According to Lao News Agency, Minister of Foreign Affairs Thongsavanh Phomvihane stated that the visit underscores the deep and special relationship between Laos and Vietnam, highlighting their unique strategic partnership. He emphasized the importance of frequent exchanges between senior leaders as a testament to the enduring solidarity between the two Parties and States, which is rooted in their shared origins in the Indochinese Communist Party and a history of collaboration for national liberation.
The Minister pointed out that while political and security cooperation is the cornerstone of their relations, there is an ongoing effort to bolster economic cooperation. He noted that the trade volume between the two countries has yet to meet its potential, with initiatives underway to increase bilateral trade to USD 5 billion, enhance infrastructure connectivity, and improve Laos' access to the sea via Vung Ang Port in Vietnam.
Key projects such as the Hanoi-Vientiane Expressway and the Vientiane-Vung Ang Railway are anticipated to boost logistics, trade, and regional connectivity. These projects are in line with Laos' development targets, as the nation aims for a minimum of 6 percent GDP growth by 2026, in parallel with Vietnam's economic growth objectives.
As Laos gears up to graduate from Least Developed Country (LDC) status in 2026 amid global uncertainties, Minister Thongsavanh expressed confidence in the continued close coordination between the two nations to maintain stability and foster development. He concluded that the visit holds historic and strategic significance, reaffirming both countries' commitment to implementing the outcomes of the Party Congresses and ensuring that regional connectivity yields tangible benefits for their populations.
