PM Pham Minh Chinh sets off for working visit to Laos
VOV.VN - Prime Minister Pham Minh Chinh, and a high-ranking Vietnamese delegation on January 9 morning departed Hanoi for an official visit to Laos and co-chairing of the 47th meeting of the Vietnam-Laos Intergovernmental Committee from January 9-10, at the invitation of Lao Prime Minister Sonexay Siphandone.
The Vietnamese Government leader is accompanied by Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Foreign Affairs Bui Thanh Son; Minister of Planning and Investment, Chairman of the Vietnam - Laos Cooperation Committee Nguyen Chi Dung; Minister, Head of the Government Office Tran Van Son; Minister of Industry and Trade Nguyen Hong Dien; Minister of Education and Training Nguyen Kim Son; and Minister of Health Dao Hong Lan, among others.
This marks the first overseas trip of a senior Vietnamese leader in 2025, taking place at a time when the Vietnam-Laos relationship continues to be strengthened, with numerous positive developments. The political ties are becoming closer, based on mutual trust and frequent exchange visits.
Along with the successful organization of annual meetings between the two Politburos and sessions of the Intergovernmental Committee, both sides are actively implementing previously signed protocols and cooperation agreements.
Economic, trade, and investment cooperation between Vietnam and Laos has seen positive changes. Bilateral trade turnover was projected to reach US$2 billion in 2024, an increase of about 28% compared to 2023. Vietnam currently has 241 valid investment projects in Laos, with a total registered capital of around US$5.5 billion, maintaining the third position after China and Thailand in terms of foreign investments in Laos.
Both sides are working closely together to carry out Vietnam's ODA aid projects for Laos. Cultural and educational cooperation continues to be intensified. The two sides have finalized procedures for the Vietnam-Laos Friendship Park project and are enhancing mutual support at regional and international forums, particularly within ASEAN, the United Nations, and the Mekong Subregion cooperation mechanisms.
In 2024, Vietnam supported Laos in successfully assuming the role of ASEAN Chair and AIPA 2024, which was highly appreciated by the neighbouring nation. Laos was one of the first countries to support Vietnam's re-election to the UN Human Rights Council for the 2026-2028 term.
This visit reaffirms Vietnam's consistent policy of prioritizing and valuing the great friendship, special solidarity, and comprehensive cooperation with Laos with a view to further solidifying mutual trust between the top leaders of both nations as well as cooperation between the two governments, and carry out foreign policy tasks set forth at the 13th National Party Congress.
