According to the Vietnam News Agency, the meeting took place on the afternoon of April 9 in Vientiane. The Lao leader highly appreciated the significance of the visit, which comes as both countries have successfully held their respective Party congresses and elections for the National Assembly and People’s Councils, and as Laos prepares to celebrate its traditional Bun Pimay New Year.

Thongloun Sisoulith extended warm congratulations to Vietnam’s leadership, including General Secretary To Lam being elected State President, Le Minh Hung as Prime Minister, and Tran Thanh Man as Chairman of the National Assembly, expressing confidence that Vietnam will enter a new phase of development with an enhanced international standing.

He also conveyed deep gratitude for Vietnam’s consistent and wholehearted support for Laos throughout its development journey, while praising Vietnam’s comprehensive achievements in recent years.

Tran Cam Tu expressed his pleasure at returning to Laos during the festive season and conveyed greetings and congratulations from Vietnam’s senior leaders, including General Secretary and State President To Lam, to Thongloun Sisoulith on his re-election as President of Laos for the 2026-2031 term.

He voiced strong confidence that under the leadership of the Lao People’s Revolutionary Party, Laos would continue to achieve significant successes in its renewal process.

On this occasion, Tran Cam Tu briefed his host on the outcomes of his earlier meeting with Lao Standing Secretary of the Party Secretariat Vilay Lakhamphong, reaffirming that Vietnam consistently places the highest priority on its unique and special relationship with Laos and remains committed to supporting Laos in its national development.

Both sides exchanged updates on their respective Party and national situations following recent elections, as well as major orientations in Party building, socio-economic development, national defense, security and international integration.

The two leaders expressed satisfaction with the continued development of the great friendship, special solidarity and comprehensive cooperation between Vietnam and Laos, noting the growing political trust reflected in frequent high-level exchanges.

Vietnamese leaders also highly valued the Lao leader’s state visit to Vietnam in January 2026 and the reciprocal visit by To Lam to Laos in February 2026, which have created strong momentum for deepening bilateral relations in the new phase.

Looking ahead, both sides agreed to intensify high-level exchanges, effectively implement existing agreements, and strengthen cooperation in defense and security, including combating transnational crime, drug trafficking and cybercrime.

They also emphasized the need to enhance economic connectivity, particularly infrastructure links, and to promote trade and investment, encouraging Vietnamese enterprises to expand operations in Laos in areas of mutual interest.

Cooperation in education and training, especially in developing high-quality human resources, will be further strengthened, alongside closer ties between localities, particularly border provinces.

Both sides agreed to coordinate closely in preparing for major anniversaries in 2027, marking 65 years of diplomatic relations and 50 years of the Treaty of Amity and Cooperation between the two countries.

The leaders also exchanged views on regional and international issues of mutual concern, reaffirming their commitment to coordination in both bilateral relations and multilateral forums amid a rapidly changing global landscape.

Earlier the same day, Tran Cam Tu also met Lao Prime Minister Sonexay Siphandone.

At the meeting, the Lao Prime Minister stressed the importance of the visit in further strengthening the special relationship between the two Parties, States and peoples.

Tran Cam Tu congratulated Laos on its recent achievements, including the successful organization of the 12th National Congress of the Lao People’s Revolutionary Party and the elections for the 10th National Assembly and 5th People’s Councils, as well as the consolidation of its leadership for the new term.

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

Both sides agreed to further enhance coordination among ministries, sectors and localities, improve the effectiveness of economic, trade and investment cooperation, and better leverage each country’s strengths, with the aim of raising bilateral trade turnover to US$10 billion in the coming years.

They also emphasized the importance of boosting strategic connectivity, especially in transport and energy infrastructure, while promoting cooperation in education, training and human resource development.

The leaders underscored the need to strengthen unity not only in bilateral relations but also at multilateral forums, expressing confidence that with strong determination and joint efforts, Vietnam - Laos relations will continue to deepen in a practical and effective manner.

Ngan Anh