Vientiane: Strategic alignment in political relations remains the core pillar and overarching framework shaping Laos - Vietnam cooperation, according to an article published by the online edition of Pasaxon, the official newspaper of the Lao People's Revolutionary Party (LPRP).According to Lao News Agency, the article was published ahead of the upcoming state visit to Laos by General Secretary of the Communist Party of Vietnam (CPV) To Lam, invited by Lao Party General Secretary and President Thongloun Sisoulith. The article reviewed outcomes of the top Lao leader's recent state visit to Vietnam from January 26 to 27, where the two sides agreed to intensify cooperation in economy, trade, and investment.Both countries have set a target to lift bilateral trade to 10 billion USD and aim to improve the quality and effectiveness of cooperation in education, training, and human resource development. Discussions also focused on exploring flexible training models and strengthening communication on the special Lao s-Vietnam relationship.During talks between the two leaders, General Secretary Lam emphasized that Vietnam values Thongloun Sisoulith's decision to choose Vietnam as the first country to visit in his capacity as the top leader of the Lao Party and State. This choice, he noted, highlights the special importance the Lao Party, State, and the leader personally attach to relations with Vietnam, underscoring the unique nature of bilateral ties.In meetings with other high-ranking Vietnamese leaders, both sides reaffirmed that Vietnam-Laos relations continue to develop comprehensively and effectively across multiple fields. They agreed to maintain strategic political alignment as the guiding pillar for the overall direction of bilateral cooperation.The Lao leader congratulated Vietnam on the successful organization of the 14th National Congress of the CPV and To Lam on his re-election as General Secretary of the CPV Central Committee for the 14th tenure. He expressed confidence that the great friendship, speci al solidarity, comprehensive cooperation, and strategic cohesion between Laos and Vietnam will continue to grow, remaining a priceless asset for future generations.The article concluded that the state visit to Vietnam by the Lao Party General Secretary and President, his spouse, and the high-ranking Lao delegation is expected to help elevate bilateral relations and set directions for comprehensive, effective, and appropriate cooperation between the two countries in a new development phase.