During the visit, General Secretary To Lam held talks with Lao Party General Secretary and President Thonglun Sisoulith, met other senior Lao leaders, attended the 50th anniversary celebration of Laos, and delivered an important policy speech at the Lao National Academy of Politics and Public Administration. The visit also coincided with the 105th birth anniversary of late President Kaysone Phomvihane of Laos.

Both sides agreed that the visit was historic and highly successful, opening a new chapter in bilateral relations, said Minister Trung in an interview with the media, reviewing the outcome of the visit.

According to the diplomat, the General Secretary’s participation in the 50th anniversary celebration of Laos reflected the deep-rooted solidarity between the two countries and the long-standing principle that “the victory of one is the victory of the other.” The leader’s policy speech highlighted the shared revolutionary traditions, the achievements both sides have supported each other to attain, and Vietnam’s political will to work closely with Laos to rise together in the new period.

A significant outcome of the visit was the agreement to elevate the bilateral relationship. The long-standing 12-word motto of “great friendship, special solidarity, comprehensive cooperation” has been expanded to a 16-word formula with a new element of “strategic cohesion.” This upgrade reflects a shared vision for deeper coordination not only in politics and foreign affairs but also in economic cooperation, cross-border connectivity, development planning and the bonds between the two peoples.

Building on this new strategic framework, the two sides reached consensus on concrete orientations for future cooperation. Political ties will remain the guiding pillar of the relationship; defence and security partnership will continue as a key foundation for peace and stability; and socio-economic collaboration must make new breakthroughs so both countries can advance together.

The timing of the visit, ahead of both Parties’ 2026 National Party Congresses, allowed the leaders to review past achievements, outline future directions and reinforce the shared momentum for a new era of development, said Minister Trung.

During the visit, the Lao Party and State presented General Secretary To Lam with the National Gold Order, the country’s highest honour, in recognition of his significant contributions to strengthening Laos–Vietnam ties.

Immediately afterward, on December 3, the Prime Ministers of Vietnam and Laos co-chaired the 48th meeting of the Intergovernmental Committee to translate the latest high-level agreements into concrete actions.

In the coming period, the Party Secretariat and the Vietnamese Government will issue detailed plans for ministries, sectors and localities to implement these agreements. Provinces and cities are expected to play an especially important role. Both countries also welcome the participation of enterprises, including state-owned, private and international investors with successful operations in Vietnam, in expanding investment and cooperation projects in Laos.

“We now have a new strategic vision that requires an understanding of the new level of relations between our two Parties, our two countries, and our peoples. With a clear direction already in place and concrete cooperation plans to follow, this will serve as a strong launching pad to promote substantive cooperation in the time ahead,” stated Minister Trung.

Snapshots from Party General Secretary To Lam’s State visit to Laos

VOV.VN - A high-ranking Vietnamese delegation led by Party General Secretary To Lam has paid a State visit to Laos on December 1-2 to attend the 50th anniversary of Laos’ National Day and co-chair a high-level meeting between the Communist Party of Vietnam and the Lao People’s Revolutionary Party.