Vientiane: General Secretary of the Lao People’s Revolutionary Party Central Committee and President of Laos Thongloun Sisoulith hosted an official welcome ceremony in Vientiane for Vietnamese State President Luong Cuong, who is on a two-day state visit to Laos. President Cuong’s visit occurs at a time when the great friendship, special solidarity, and comprehensive cooperation between Vietnam and Laos are developing well. Both sides reaffirmed their determination to strengthen and enhance their relationship in accordance with the actual situation of each country.
According to Lao News Agency, the high-ranking leaders of the two Parties and States have increased meetings and regularly exchanged delegations through all channels in recent years. People-to-people diplomacy activities have also been carried out regularly, consolidating the close and trustworthy political relationship between the nations. Defense and security cooperation, a pillar of their relationship, has been maintained and developed, with both parties actively implementing signed protocols and cooperation agreements.
Cooperation between localities, especially those along the shared border, has been strengthened, ensuring security, order, and safety in the border areas. Economic, trade, and investment cooperation have witnessed positive changes, with Vietnam-Laos trade turnover in 2024 reaching 2.25 billion USD, an increase of 37% compared to 2023. This marks the first time trade turnover between the two countries has exceeded 2 billion USD, far surpassing the target set by their governments.
Currently, Vietnam has 267 investment projects in Laos with a total registered capital of 5.63 billion USD. Many Vietnamese investment projects are operating effectively, contributing to socio-economic development, creating jobs, and increasing income for thousands of workers, supplementing revenue for the Lao budget, particularly in telecommunications, banking, rubber planting and processing, food production and processing, and milk.
The traditional relationship between the people of Vietnam and Laos was laid down by historical leaders and has become an invaluable asset for both nations. In February 2019, the two countries upgraded their relations, creating a new breakthrough to foster a closer and more innovative cooperative relationship.
President Cuong’s visit, coinciding with the Lao New Year Bunpimay, aims to create new impetus for fostering the great friendship, special solidarity, and comprehensive cooperation between Vietnam and Laos. This visit is an opportunity for both countries to review their tradition of close ties and the unique loyal relationship that has stood the test of time.
Following the official welcoming ceremony, the two leaders held talks to discuss measures to further enhance the comprehensive cooperation between the two countries. They also addressed mutual concerns to enhance common understanding and coordinate effectively at international and regional forums.
