Vietnam, Laos resolve to maintain sustainable ties amid COVID-19

Although both sides have been adversely affected by the COVID-19 pandemic, political and diplomatic ties across a variety of fields are constantly being tightened.

This year has seen the two sides successfully organise many high-level visits by leaders, thereby yielding many important and substantive results, contributing to outlining orientations and creating greater impetus for stronger comprehensive co-operation moving forward.

The complicated spread of the COVID-19 pandemic in both countries has slowed down co-operation between the two sides in multiple fields. However, with the great efforts and determination of the two Parties, States, and peoples, both nations have continued to inherit and cultivate their special friendship in the context of the pandemic.

Promoting the great friendship

Mutual relations are part of a great friendship, special solidarity, and all round co-operation that has been constantly fostered by generations of leaders, from the first leaders of the two countries, such as President Ho Chi Minh, President Kaysone Phomvihane, and President Souphanuvong of Laos.

At present, that relationship has been forged and tested through many periods, years of hardship, and sacrifices against the common enemy for the purpose of national liberation and construction in the new era, along with co-operation aimed at dealing with many global challenges as well as those in the region.

Despite being hit by the COVID-19 pandemic, both nations still maintain regular high-level visits and meetings in various forms. In particular, they have successfully organised high-level visits such as the trip to Vietnam by General Secretary and President of Laos Thongloun Sisoulith in late June, the trip to Laos by President Nguyen Xuan Phuc in August, and Lao National Assembly Speaker Saysomphone Phomvihane's Vietnam visit in early December.

During these meetings, senior leaders of both sides affirmed their determination continue to develop the joint ties in a deeper, more effective, and more substantive  manner. This can therefore meet the aspirations of both nations' aspirations and interests, thereby contributing to ensuring peace and security in the region and across the world as a whole.

Co-operation across multiple areas

This year has marked the promotion of bilateral co-operation across multitude of fields, such as politics, defence and security, foreign affairs, economics, culture, education, along with science and technology, all of which is seen as an important contribution to promoting the growing relationship between both sides.

Despite being negatively affected by the pandemic, bilateral trade turnover over the initial 11 months of the year reached over US$1.2 billion, marking an increase of more than 33% over the same period from last year, with this figure predicted to hit US$1.3 billion, an annual rise of 30%.

The two countries have also agreed to implement a range of new construction projects over the past year. With regard to co-operation in education and human resource development, the two countries have strongly promoted this as a way of seeking closer ties, with the 2021 to 2022 academic year seeing the Vietnamese Government grant over 1,200 scholarships to Laotian officials and students who are pursuing both short and long term study in Vietnam.

Furthermore, the two countries are also making great efforts to effectively carry out a project on educational co-operation in the 2021 to 2030 period and a project on introducing products of the historical project of the special relationship between both sides in order to teach at schools in both countries.

These results therefore serve as the driving force for the continuous development of the mutual relationship, contributing to the cause of building and defending the socialist fatherland in each country.

Towards the Year of Solidarity and Friendship 2022

Moving into 2022, this marks an important year in the co-operation relationship between Vietnam and Laos. Leaders of the two countries agreed to jointly launch a broad array of activities to celebrate major events, such as the 60th anniversary of diplomatic relations which began back in 1962, and mark 45 years since the signing of the Treaty of Friendship and Cooperation in 1977.

Moving forward, especially during the Year of Solidarity and Friendship 2022, the two sides will continue to co-ordinate in carrying out specific tasks with a particular focus on strengthening political and diplomatic relations, ensuring national defence and security, and properly realising the contents of joint statements and agreements as settled by senior leaders.

The two sides will also continue to intensify exchange visits, whilst offering mutual support at regional and international forums with a view of reinforcing the great friendship, special solidarity and comprehensive co-operation between the two countries in a practical and effective manner.

On the basis of the consensus reached by senior leaders, both countries are expected to reap new and even greater achievements as part of the Doi Moi (Renewal) process.

The organisation of major celebratory activities moving forward will be a good opportunity for both sides to help the younger generation gain a better understanding about the close-knit relations between the two countries and continue to preserve and cultivate the special ties for the future.