For the first time in history, Vietnam’s three key leaders have made a joint visit to Laos.

Prime Minister Sonexay Siphandone stressed that General Secretary To Lam’s choice of Laos as his first overseas destination after the 14th Party Congress reflects the highest level of priority in bilateral relations.

He described the Vietnam–Laos relationship as a priceless shared asset of the two nations, embodying political trust at the highest level between the two Parties and States.

The Lao Prime Minister highly valued the outcomes of the high-level talks held earlier the same day.

He noted that the presence of Vietnam’s three top leaders on this visit was unprecedented and clearly demonstrated the exceptional nature of the bilateral relationship.

General Secretary To Lam welcomed the spirit of cooperation and the resolute, practical direction demonstrated by the two governments.

He called on both prime ministers to continue closely guiding relevant agencies to effectively implement and concretize existing commitments and agreements.

The General Secretary urged the two sides to promote breakthroughs in economic, trade and investment cooperation.

He emphasized the need for concrete measures to enhance connectivity and complementarity between the two economies, laying a foundation for long-term, mutually beneficial development.

Priority should be given to transport and energy infrastructure connectivity, alongside stronger information exchange and sharing of experience in macroeconomic management and building independent, self-reliant economies.

Both leaders affirmed that strengthening strategic alignment is the “key” to a new phase of cooperation.

They agreed to promote bilateral trade in a more balanced and sustainable manner while creating more favorable conditions for businesses from both countries to invest and operate long term.

General Secretary To Lam stated that the coming period should mark a decisive shift from good cooperation to effective cooperation, from commitments to tangible results, with the interests of the two peoples as the highest benchmark.

In his meeting with National Assembly Chairman Saysomphone Phomvihane, the General Secretary praised the Lao legislature’s role and contributions in concretizing and ensuring the effective implementation of national development strategies.

He reaffirmed that Vietnam consistently attaches top priority to its unique and special relationship with Laos.

Vietnam, he stressed, will continue to strongly and comprehensively support Laos in safeguarding and building the nation.

Chairman Saysomphone Phomvihane expressed appreciation for General Secretary To Lam’s close attention and guidance in promoting cooperation between the two parliaments.

He said the Lao National Assembly will work closely with its Vietnamese counterpart to effectively oversee the implementation of high-level agreements and signed cooperation accords, particularly major economic projects.

The two legislatures will continue to leverage their strengths in political and defense-security cooperation to expand collaboration in economic and other fields.

They will also help establish and refine cooperative mechanisms, working alongside governments, local authorities and ministries to address difficulties.

Vietnam prepares to hand over the population management and citizen ID system project to Laos.

Also on Thursday afternoon, Prime Minister Pham Minh Chinh met with Prime Minister Sonexay Siphandone.

The Lao Prime Minister said General Secretary To Lam’s visit carries special historical significance, with the participation of Prime Minister Pham Minh Chinh and National Assembly Chairman Tran Thanh Man.

He proposed further strengthening cooperation in economy, trade and investment.

He also called for accelerated implementation of projects in infrastructure connectivity, energy, agriculture, education, training and human resource development.

Prime Minister Pham Minh Chinh shared key achievements of the Vietnamese Government during the 2021–2025 term.

He reaffirmed Vietnam’s determination to effectively implement Resolution 14 from the very beginning of the new term.

Both prime ministers highlighted notable progress in trade, investment, banking and finance cooperation.

Bilateral trade recorded a leap forward, reaching nearly 3 billion USD in 2025.

Vietnam’s investment in Laos surpassed 5.6 billion USD, seven times higher than in 2024, bringing total accumulated investment to 6.21 billion USD across 276 projects.

Laos has thus become the largest destination for Vietnam’s outbound investment projects.

Financial and banking cooperation has seen breakthrough progress.

Notably, the two sides have announced and implemented a framework for local currency settlement and bilateral retail payment connectivity via QR codes.

These measures help reduce reliance on intermediary currencies while facilitating trade, investment and tourism.

Currently, nearly 11,000 Lao students are studying in Vietnam.

The two countries also cooperate closely in heritage conservation.

In July 2025, UNESCO recognized the first transboundary natural World Heritage site in the region, Hin Nam No National Park – Phong Nha – Ke Bang.

Laos has recognized the Truong Son route on its territory as a national heritage site.

The two leaders welcomed efforts to resolve long-standing stalled projects and accelerate key cooperation initiatives.

They noted the inauguration and handover of five emblematic projects, including Wharf No.3 at Vung Ang Port, a drug rehabilitation center in Vientiane, the Laos–Vietnam Friendship Park in Vientiane, and the Friendship Hospital in Houaphanh Province.

The population management and citizen ID system project has been basically completed and is ready for handover to Laos.

Later the same afternoon, National Assembly Chairman Tran Thanh Man met with Chairman Saysomphone Phomvihane.

Both leaders shared views on the highly effective high-level talks earlier that day.

They said the talks once again affirmed the special, strategically bonded relationship between the two countries.

Chairman Saysomphone Phomvihane noted that Vietnam’s comprehensive achievements have been a great source of encouragement for Laos.

He expressed sincere thanks to Vietnam’s National Assembly for its practical and effective support.

Chairman Tran Thanh Man reiterated that Vietnam consistently gives the highest priority to its unique traditional relationship with Laos.

Vietnam, he said, will always stand shoulder to shoulder with Laos in safeguarding, building, renewing and developing the country.

He also briefed his counterpart on preparations for Vietnam’s 16th National Assembly and People’s Council elections at all levels, scheduled for March.

This, he said, will be a major political event in 2026, representing a broad democratic exercise through which Vietnamese citizens fully exercise their rights and responsibilities.

Both chairmen emphasized that frequent exchanges between parliamentary leaders and deputies have facilitated valuable sharing of experience in legislation, supreme oversight and decision-making on key national issues.

Close coordination at multilateral parliamentary forums, especially within IPU and AIPA, has contributed to enhancing each country’s standing and credibility.

Such cooperation, they noted, also amplifies a shared voice for peace, stability and sustainable development.

Tran Thuong