This marks his first international trip as President of Vietnam.

In May, leaders from Laos and Cambodia sent congratulatory messages to President To Lam following his election by the National Assembly.

General Secretary and President of Laos Thongloun Sisoulith expressed his eagerness to collaborate with President To Lam to strengthen the great friendship, special solidarity, and comprehensive cooperation between the two Parties, States, and peoples of Laos and Vietnam, ensuring these relations continue to flourish.

King Norodom Sihamoni of Cambodia voiced his confidence that Vietnam would achieve significant success and rapid development across various fields, maintaining its important role in the region and the world. The King also expressed his hope that the bonds between the people of Vietnam and Cambodia would continue to grow closer, fostering peace, stability, cooperation, and further development.

Vietnam and Laos continue to enhance high-level exchanges and bilateral cooperation mechanisms. Defense and security cooperation remains a crucial pillar in their relationship. Bilateral trade in the first five months of 2024 reached USD 780 million, an 11% increase compared to the same period in 2023. Vietnam currently has 255 active projects in Laos, with a total investment of about USD 5.5 billion, which are increasingly proving effective.

The leaders of Vietnam and Cambodia maintain regular interactions and exchanges, with bilateral cooperation mechanisms continuing to demonstrate their effectiveness. Economic cooperation remains a highlight in their relations, achieving the bilateral trade target of USD 10 billion ahead of schedule in 2022 and now aiming for USD 20 billion.

Tran Thuong