The medal was conferred in recognition of Mr. To Lam’s significant contributions to fostering the great friendship, special solidarity, and comprehensive cooperation between the two Parties, States, and peoples of Laos and Vietnam.

Expressing his deep honor and emotion during the ceremony, General Secretary To Lam described the award as not only a great personal pride but also a testament to the enduring, exemplary, and time-tested relationship between the two countries.

He emphasized the gratitude of the Vietnamese people toward their Lao counterparts for standing shoulder to shoulder during Vietnam’s struggle for independence and throughout its nation-building and development journey.

Mr. To Lam affirmed that this spirit of unity has been a powerful force behind both nations' victories and peace, and will continue guiding Vietnam and Laos on a shared path of destiny and common aspiration - true to the saying, "Unity is strength."

The Vietnamese leader vowed to continue working alongside the leadership of the Lao Party and State to nurture the “faithful and steadfast” Vietnam–Laos relationship, honoring the legacy of past generations and fulfilling the aspirations of both peoples.

A new chapter in Vietnam–Laos relations

Earlier, during official talks, President Thongloun Sisoulith expressed deep appreciation for Vietnam’s steadfast support and invaluable assistance. He acknowledged that Vietnam’s developmental achievements offer valuable insights for Laos.

Mr. To Lam, visiting Laos on the occasion of the country’s 50th National Day and the 105th birth anniversary of President Kaysone Phomvihane, described the events as sacred milestones underscoring the resilient and brotherly bond between the two nations.

The visit reflects Vietnam’s unwavering foreign policy of prioritizing its special relationship with Laos, while also marking a joint commitment to a renewed shared vision and elevated bilateral partnership.

During the discussions, both leaders exchanged views on national developments. Mr. To Lam briefed his counterpart on Vietnam’s ongoing political reforms, including efforts to streamline and modernize the political apparatus nationwide.

Both sides expressed satisfaction with the increasingly substantive, effective collaboration between their respective Party committees, government agencies, legislative bodies, social organizations, and local administrations.

Local-level cooperation, especially among border provinces, continues to expand, contributing to border security and order.

Strategic coordination and expanded cooperation

The leaders agreed to maximize the effectiveness of existing cooperation mechanisms, while enhancing bilateral ties through high-level visits, strategic dialogue, ideological exchange, and coordinated policy development.

They committed to modernizing education efforts for both Party members and citizens, especially younger generations, to better understand the historical roots of the Vietnam–Laos special relationship.

Notably, both nations agreed to enrich their bilateral partnership with a deeper strategic definition: “great friendship, special solidarity, comprehensive cooperation, and strategic connectivity.” This reflects a shared vision for sustainable development, resilience, and common prosperity.

Defense and security cooperation remains a vital pillar, with both sides committed to deepening collaboration and maintaining a stable, sustainable border.

Vietnam and Laos also plan to intensify economic, infrastructure, financial, and tourism connectivity. They are targeting bilateral trade volumes of USD 5 billion in the near term, aiming for USD 10 billion in the longer term, with strengthened transport, energy, and logistics links.

They further agreed to implement agreements supporting economic independence and resilience, share macroeconomic management expertise, and remove bottlenecks hindering Vietnamese investment in Laos.

Both leaders called for a major breakthrough in economic, cultural, and scientific cooperation. They emphasized enhancing transport, power, telecommunications, tourism, education quality, and human resources development.

The two nations will also boost people-to-people exchanges and local cooperation as strategic foundations for long-term unity.

Amidst global turbulence, the two sides reaffirmed effective coordination on international issues, mutual support in ASEAN and multilateral forums, and joint efforts to defend each other’s legitimate interests in accordance with international law.