The two FMs reviewed the results of cooperation between the parties, governments, and foreign ministries, discussed future cooperation directions, and compared notes on regional and international issues of mutual concern.

FM Le Hoai praised the effective coordination in implementing the bilateral cooperation agreement between the two foreign ministries, and welcomed the signing of the new cooperation agreement for 2026-2030, which lays out specific tasks and measures in line with the new period of Vietnam-Laos relations.

He emphasized the need to enhance exchanges and propose measures for effective, practical cooperation in areas reflecting the special solidarity, comprehensive partnership, and strategic linkage between the two countries.

FM Thongsavanh affirmed that Laos would continue close coordination, maintain regular annual mechanisms at ministerial and deputy ministerial levels, conduct joint meetings and activities between the two foreign ministries, and enhance exchanges between functional units in areas such as economy, consular affairs, border management, sector development, personnel training, information and press, international law, ovesease Vietnamese affairs, and multilateral cooperation, including the Mekong subregion, ASEAN, and international forums such as the United Nations.

He expressed confidence that effective cooperation between the two ministries would continue to play a crucial role in strengthening and nurturing the great friendship, special solidarity, comprehensive partnership, and strategic linkage between Vietnam and Laos.

Both sides hailed the strong progress in Vietnam-Laos cooperation in recent years. Political cooperation and strategic trust remain core elements guiding overall bilateral relations.

Defence, security, and foreign affairs cooperation remain stable and positive. Economic, trade, and investment cooperation have seen clear improvements, with key projects resolved, completed, and handed over on schedule. Cooperation in culture, education, science, and technology continues to advance with practical results.

Party committees, ministries, agencies, and local authorities in both countries have expanded and deepened their cooperation.

Regarding cooperation between the former Central Committee for External Affairs (now the Party Committee of the Vietnamese Foreign Ministry) and the Lao Central Committee for External Affairs, Minister Le Hoai Trung applauded achievements and noted that both agencies effectively carried out the 2021-2025 cooperation agreement and signed the 2026-2030 agreement.

He affirmed that these agreements have deepened, strengthened, and made strategic coordination more practical and sustainable, highlighting the key role of the foreign affairs bodies of both parties and states in preserving and reinforcing the special Vietnam-Laos relationship.

Deputy head of the Lao People's Revolutionary Party (LPRP) Central Committee's Commission for External Relations Valaxay Lengsavad emphasized that the traditional friendship between the two parties and the cooperative support between the Vietnamese Foreign Ministry Party Committee and the Lao People's Revolutionary Party (LPRP) Central Committee's Commission for External Relations form a critical foundation for effectively implementing each party’s foreign affairs tasks, thereby contributing to the consolidation and enhancement of the great friendship, special solidarity, comprehensive partnership, and strategic linkage between Vietnam and Laos.

Leaders of both foreign ministries and the Lao Commission for External Affairs agreed to continue close coordination in supporting party-building, ministry, and agency units at the central level, political and social organisations, and people’s organisations to step up cooperation, share information, and exchange experiences in party building, political system development, and socio-economic development.

These efforts aim to ensure macroeconomic stability, security, defence, and international integration. Both sides will effectively implement bilateral cooperation agreements and carry out tasks assigned by the leadership of the two parties and states, including successful organization of national congresses and parliamentary elections, and ensure high-level foreign affairs activities between the two parties and countries are effectively conducted in the future.

The two sides also shared views on regional and international issues of mutual concern, welcoming regular coordination and mutual support at multilateral forums, particularly within the United Nations, ASEAN, and Mekong subregional cooperation. The consultation concluded with an agreement to hold the 13th ministerial political consultation in Laos.

The ministerial political consultation is an annual high-level exchange within the bilateral foreign ministry cooperation framework. This year’s meeting is particularly significant as it follows a series of high-level foreign affairs activities between the two parties and states in early December.

The meeting provided an opportunity for both sides to exchange views and agree on the focus of cooperation, concentrating on mechanisms and methods for coordinating tasks between the two foreign ministries as well as between the LPRP Central Committee's Commission for External Relations.

Vietnam - Laos peace committees promote role of people-to-people diplomacy

The role of people-to-people diplomacy in fostering Vietnam–Laos relations was underlined at a series of meetings and discussions held in Vientiane on December 9.