Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Foreign Affairs Bui Thanh Son held talks with his Lao counterpart Thongsavanh Phomvihane on February 14 in Hanoi, as part of the official visit to Vietnam by the Lao diplomat and his spouse from February 12 to 14.

During the meeting, held in an atmosphere of sincerity, frankness, and trust, Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Foreign Affairs Bui Thanh Son stressed that Thongsavanh Phomvihane is the first foreign minister to visit Vietnam in 2025, a pivotal year as both nations prepare for their respective National Party Congresses. He expressed confidence that the visit would yield substantive outcomes, further strengthening the close ties between the two foreign ministries and contributing to the continued development of the great friendship, special solidarity, and comprehensive cooperation between Vietnam and Laos in a more practical and effective manner.

Thongsavanh Phomvihane noted that this was his first official overseas visit as Lao foreign minister, taking place shortly after the 11th Ministerial-level Political Consultation in Laos. He thanked Son for the warm and respectful welcome extended to his delegation.

Updating each other on their respective national situations, the Lao diplomat hailed  Vietnam’s socio-economic development achievements in recent years. He particularly praised Vietnam’s sustained high economic growth and its rising international standing under the leadership of the Communist Party of Vietnam and the governance of the Vietnamese Government.

Both sides showed their elation at the continued strong, effective, and increasingly substantive development of Vietnam – Laos cooperation across all fields. Political trust has been further reinforced through regular high-level exchanges, meetings, and cooperation mechanisms, most notably the meeting between the two Politburos (September 2024), the 47th session of the Vietnam – Laos Intergovernmental Committee (January 2025), and the Ministerial-level Political Consultation (December 2024). Defence and security cooperation remains a solid pillar, deepening in substance and effectiveness as a reliable support for the two countries.

Both sides welcomed the continued enhancement of economic, trade, and investment cooperation. In 2024, two-way trade reached US$2.25 billion.

To achieve the target of US$5 billion in trade volume in the coming years, as agreed by the two prime ministers at the 47th session of the Intergovernmental Committee, both sides pledged to encourage relevant ministries and sectors to formulate preferential mechanisms and policies to boost bilateral trade in the time ahead.

 They also pledged to enhance economic connectivity, particularly through border trade infrastructure, to facilitate the smooth flow of goods across their shared border. Notably, both sides emphasized the decisive and effective leadership of the two Politburos in dealing with challenges in the implementation of key projects, thus creating momentum for future cooperation.

Host and guest applauded their close cooperation over the years and agreed to effectively carry out the 2021–2025 Cooperation Agreement while coordinating efforts to review and develop the next phase of their partnership.

They also consented to maintain the annual Ministerial-level Political Consultation and Deputy Ministerial-level Political Consultation mechanisms, enhance awareness and education on the Vietnam – Laos special solidarity, particularly among young diplomats, and continue supporting the Vietnamese community in Laos.

This includes facilitating naturalization and residency permits for long-term Vietnamese residents in Laos and issuing work permits for Vietnamese workers who meet Lao regulations.

The two ministers also compared notes on regional and international issues of mutual concern, reaffirming their commitment to close coordination and mutual support at multilateral forums, particularly within ASEAN and Mekong subregional cooperation mechanisms. They reiterated their backing for ASEAN’s common stance on strategic regional issues, including the East Sea (South China Sea).

Following the talks, on behalf of the Lao state, Minister Thongsavanh Phomvihane presented prestigious orders and certificates of merit from the Lao Party and Government to collectives and individuals of the Vietnamese Ministry of Foreign Affairs in recognition of their contributions to the Vietnam – Laos Friendship Year 2022.

Vietnam deepens ties with Laos, UAE at World Governments Summit

VOV.VN - Vietnamese Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Foreign Affairs Bui Thanh Son held bilateral meetings with leaders of Laos and the United Arab Emirates (UAE) on February 11 in Dubai, within the framework of the World Governments Summit 2025 (WGS 2025).

Vietnam, Laos encouraged to enhance cultural and people-to-people exchanges

VOV.VN - Prime Minister Pham Minh Chinh met with Boviengkham Vongdara, chairman of the Laos-Vietnam Friendship Association, and Inlavanh Keobounphanh, vice chairman of the Lao Front for National Construction, on January 10 in Vientiane as part of his two-day visit to the neighouring country.