Receiving the Lao PM in Hanoi, Cuong extended his New Year (Bun Pi-may) greetings to the people of Laos and conveyed his best wishes for the health and well-being of Lao President Thongloun Sisoulith, Prime Minister Sonexay Siphandone, and other senior Lao leaders.

He also welcomed Siphandone’s attendance at the fourth Parterning for Green Growth and Global Goals 2030 Summit (P4G) in Hanoi, and again sent his condolences to the Lao government and people, as well as to Siphandone and his family, on the recent passing of Khamtay Siphandone, former Lao President and Chairman of the Lao People’s Revolutionary Party.

Cuong congratulated the Lao PM on the positive results his government has achieved in various fields, noting the improvement in the socio-economic development of Lao and its increasing international stature. He expressed confidence that Laos would continue to achieve even greater success, fulfilling the objectives of the 11th Congress of the Lao People's Revolutionary Party and the ninth five-year socio-economic development plan.

Siphandone for his part expressed his appreciation for Vietnam’s organisation of the P4G Summit and wished the event great success.

He also thanked the leadership of Vietnam for sending the highest-level delegation, led by General Secretary To Lam and Prime Minister Pham Minh Chinh, to offer condolences and pay tributes to his late father Khamtay Siphandone.

Siphandone shared major activities planned for Laos in 2025, and expressed his desire for an official visit from Cuong to Laos and for both countries to jointly organise events in celebration of their solidarity and mutual development.

Both leaders underscored the long-standing bond between the two countries, built by President Ho Chi Minh of Vietnam and President Kaysone Phomvihane of Laos, along with other generations of their successors, including the late Khamtay Siphandone, which continues to thrive.

They expressed their delight at the significant progress in bilateral relations, particularly in strengthening political trust, security and defence cooperation, and economic exchanges. They emphasised the importance of actively coordinating and organising major events in 2025 to raise awareness among young generations, foster the spirit of solidarity, and further develop the Vietnam-Laos great friendship and comprehensive cooperation to new heights.

Vietnam, Laos agree to work towards US$5 billion in two-way trade

VOV.VN - Vietnamese and Lao Prime Ministers have agreed to direct relevant agencies to effectively implement high-level agreements, step up economic, trade and investment cooperation, and strive to raise bilateral trade to US$5 billion.