During the trip, he will co-chair the 47th meeting of the Vietnam-Laos Intergovernmental Committee from January 9-10 at the invitation of Lao Prime Minister Sonexay Siphandone.

Strengthening bilateral ties

The official delegation accompanying Prime Minister Pham Minh Chinh includes Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Foreign Affairs Bui Thanh Son, Minister of Planning and Investment Nguyen Chi Dung, Minister and Chairman of the Government Office Tran Van Son, and several other senior officials.

This marks Vietnam's first high-level overseas visit of 2025, underscoring the continued strengthening of the Vietnam-Laos relationship.

The two nations have fostered close political ties with regular exchanges of high-level visits and collaborative efforts through the Vietnam-Laos Intergovernmental Committee and annual Politburo meetings.

Economic and cultural collaboration

Economic, trade, and investment relations between Vietnam and Laos have seen positive progress.

Bilateral trade is projected to reach $2 billion, a 28% increase compared to 2023. Vietnam currently ranks as the third-largest foreign investor in Laos, with 241 active projects and a total registered capital of $5.5 billion.

Vietnam has also provided Official Development Assistance (ODA) for various projects in Laos, such as the Vietnam-Laos Friendship Park.

Cultural, educational, and training collaborations remain priorities. Both nations continue to support each other in regional and international forums, particularly within ASEAN, the United Nations, and Mekong sub-regional initiatives.

Diplomatic significance

In 2024, Vietnam supported Laos in its successful chairmanship of ASEAN and AIPA, earning high praise from the Lao government. Laos was also among the first to back Vietnam’s re-election to the UN Human Rights Council for the 2026-2028 term.

This visit reaffirms Vietnam’s consistent policy of prioritizing its "great friendship, special solidarity, and comprehensive cooperation" with Laos.

It further strengthens trust and ties between senior leaders of both countries while advancing the objectives set forth during Vietnam’s 13th National Party Congress.

Quang Phong