Vietnam and Laos have agreed to deepen strategic cooperation, including major transport projects and plans to establish a Laos-Vietnam Friendship University.
Following an official welcoming ceremony on Sunday afternoon, Prime Minister Le Minh Hung held talks with Lao Prime Minister Sonexay Siphandone.
Prime Minister Le Minh Hung warmly welcomed Prime Minister Sonexay Siphandone on his official visit to Vietnam and participation in the ASEAN Future Forum 2026. The visit marks Prime Minister Sonexay's first official overseas trip since beginning his new term in office, reflecting and further deepening the great friendship, special solidarity, comprehensive cooperation and strategic bond between Vietnam and Laos.
Prime Minister Le Minh Hung reaffirmed that under all circumstances, Vietnam will continue to stand shoulder to shoulder with Laos in supporting the country's strategic development goals.
Prime Minister Le Minh Hung and Prime Minister Sonexay Siphandone.
Prime Minister Sonexay Siphandone expressed his pleasure at returning to Hanoi on an official visit following his re-election and to attend the ASEAN Future Forum hosted by Vietnam for the second time.
The Lao leader conveyed his profound gratitude for the significant, valuable and effective support that Vietnam has provided throughout Laos' revolutionary struggle, nation-building and development across different periods.
The two prime ministers reaffirmed the consistent policy of both Parties and States to place the highest priority on strengthening and nurturing the great friendship, special solidarity, comprehensive cooperation and strategic partnership between Vietnam and Laos.
The two government leaders welcomed the continued positive momentum in bilateral cooperation, which has become increasingly substantive, effective and deep. High-level visits and exchanges have been maintained regularly, while bilateral cooperation mechanisms have operated effectively, helping address various challenges and obstacles in a spirit of comradeship and brotherhood.
Prime Minister Le Minh Hung and Prime Minister Sonexay Siphandone view a photo exhibition highlighting Vietnam-Laos relations. Vietnam has reaffirmed its commitment to supporting Laos in achieving its strategic goals.
Cooperation in defense, security, foreign affairs and coordination at regional and international forums has continued to strengthen. Collaboration between ministries, sectors and localities of both countries has also expanded steadily. Notably, in the first quarter of 2026, Vietnamese investment in Laos reached US$582 million, more than quadrupling compared to the same period last year. Total accumulated Vietnamese investment in Laos has now reached approximately US$6.6 billion across 289 projects.
The two prime ministers agreed to elevate bilateral relations to a new level, particularly by translating the concept of Vietnam-Laos "strategic connectivity" into practical cooperation, while strengthening subregional, regional and international linkages.
Both sides agreed to effectively implement high-level agreements and the outcomes of the 48th meeting of the Vietnam-Laos Intergovernmental Committee, laying the foundation for successfully carrying out the 2026-2030 bilateral cooperation agreement between the two governments.
The two countries will also coordinate preparations for the celebrations marking the 65th anniversary of diplomatic relations and the 50th anniversary of the Vietnam-Laos Treaty of Amity and Cooperation in 2027.
The two sides agreed to continue effectively implementing defense and security cooperation protocols and plans, strengthen coordination in combating transnational crime, drug trafficking and illegal exploitation of natural resources, and support each other in maintaining political stability, social order and security in both countries and along their shared border.
Prime Minister Le Minh Hung and Prime Minister Sonexay Siphandone during their talks.
Prime Minister Le Minh Hung expressed sincere appreciation to the Lao side for its close cooperation and effective support in assisting Vietnamese teams searching for, recovering and repatriating the remains of Vietnamese volunteer soldiers and experts who lost their lives in Laos during wartime.
Vietnam hopes Laos will continue supporting the country's ongoing 500-day campaign to accelerate the search, recovery and identification of the remains of fallen Vietnamese soldiers.
Laos-Vietnam Friendship University to be established
On economic cooperation, the two sides focused on measures to enhance connectivity between their economies, shifting from traditional friendship-based cooperation toward more effective and mutually beneficial development, with economic efficiency and strategic linkage at the center.
Vietnam and Laos will prioritize strengthening both physical and institutional connectivity, particularly through major strategic transport projects such as the Hanoi-Vientiane Expressway and the Vung Ang-Vientiane railway. Vietnam will also support Laos in achieving its goal of becoming a regional logistics hub and enhancing its access to maritime routes.
The two countries will study mechanisms and policies that reflect the special nature of Vietnam-Laos relations, creating a favorable and transparent investment and business environment for enterprises from both countries. They also agreed to implement coordinated measures aimed at increasing bilateral trade to US$10 billion by 2030.
The two prime ministers witness the exchange of four cooperation documents covering transport, education, finance, ethnic affairs and religious affairs.The two prime ministers witness the exchange of cooperation documents in the fields of ethnic and religious affairs. Photos: Pham Hai
The two leaders also agreed to further improve and modernize cooperation in education and training, science and technology, high-quality human resource development and leadership training at all levels. They also agreed to accelerate plans to establish the Laos-Vietnam Friendship University in Laos.
The two sides exchanged views extensively on regional and international developments and agreed to continue close coordination and mutual support at multilateral forums, particularly within ASEAN, the United Nations and other cooperation mechanisms.
They also agreed to strengthen cooperation in addressing global challenges, including climate change, cybersecurity, energy security, water security, transnational crime and other non-traditional security threats.
Prime Minister Sonexay Siphandone reaffirmed that the Lao Party and Government will continue creating favorable conditions for the Vietnamese community living in Laos, as well as for Vietnamese businesses investing and operating in the country.
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