Party General Secretary To Lam held a meeting with Lao Prime Minister Sonexay Siphandone during his state visit to Laos, where he is leading a high-level Vietnamese Party and State delegation.

Prime Minister Sonexay Siphandone warmly welcomed To Lam and his delegation, describing the visit as taking place amid shared celebrations in both countries following the successful national Party congresses. He said the trip carried historic significance and would add fresh impetus to strengthening the great friendship, special solidarity, comprehensive cooperation and strategic connectivity between Vietnam and Laos.

The Lao Prime Minister noted that To Lam’s decision to choose Laos as the first destination in his foreign trip following the 14th National Congress of the Communist Party of Vietnam (CPV) demonstrates the highest priority both sides attach to bilateral ties, while highlighting the relationship as a shared and invaluable asset of the two nations and a reflection of their highest level of political trust.

He congratulated To Lam on his re-election as General Secretary of the Communist Party of Vietnam (CPV) and spoke highly of the outcomes of the high-level talks earlier on February 5. He also highlighted the historic significance of the visit, noting that, for the first time, three of Vietnam’s top leaders travelled to Laos together, underscoring the exceptional nature of the bilateral relationship.

The Lao leader applauded Vietnam’s major, comprehensive and historically significant achievements in national construction and defence, particularly after four decades of the Doi Moi (renewal) process, including the results recorded during the 13th Party Congress term.

He expressed confidence that under the CPV leadership headed by To Lam, Vietnam would continue achieving new gains and successfully realise its development goals for 2030 with a vision to 2045. He also expressed sincere thanks to the Vietnamese Party, State and people for their consistent and effective support for Laos.

To Lam said he was pleased to return to Laos on his first overseas trip since assuming office as Party General Secretary following the 14th Party Congress.

He congratulated Sonexay Siphandone on gaining continued trust from the Lao People's Revolutionary Party (LPRP) to serve in its 12th-term Politburo, describing it as recognition of his capability, reputation and contributions to Laos’ national development.

The Vietnamese Party chief expressed pleasure at and hailed Laos’ recent achievements, especially the major and historic outcomes recorded after 40 years of reform under the leadership of the LPRP. He congratulated Laos on the successful organisation of its 12th Party Congress, describing it as a major political milestone demonstrating national unity and the continuation of comprehensive reform based on achievements obtained in previous periods.

The Vietnamese Party chief expressed confidence that with strong political determination and four decades of reform experience, Laos, under the Party’s leadership and the Government’s effective management, would achieve further successes, carry out the goals set by the 12th Party Congress and advance towards its development targets for 2055.

He commended the Lao Party, State and Government for their efforts in managing socio-economic development, maintaining macroeconomic stability and improving living standards. He also recognized the direct role and contributions of the Lao Prime Minister and relevant ministries, sectors and localities in bolstering deeper and more substantive cooperation between the two countries, while reaffirming Vietnam’s strong support for Laos’ reform and international integration efforts.

To Lam stressed the need to further deepen the substance of the “strategic connectivity” framework agreed by both sides in December 2025, affirming a shared vision, intertwined strategic interests and a long-term partnership aimed at sustainable, self-reliant and prosperous development for both nations.

He welcomed the strong coordination and practical direction provided by both governments and suggested that the two prime ministers continue instructing relevant agencies to effectively implement commitments and agreements reached by senior leaders. He proposed maintaining high-level exchanges through all channels and effectively implementing outcomes of the 48th session of the Vietnam-Laos Intergovernmental Committee as well as high-level agreements, with priority given to cooperation in socio-economic development.

To Lam called for breakthroughs in economic, trade and investment cooperation, stronger connectivity and complementarity between the two economies, and priority for transport and energy infrastructure links. He also proposed expanding cooperation in education and training, culture, digital transformation, innovation and science and technology applications, while promoting economic connectivity among Vietnam, Laos and Cambodia in line with common perceptions among the three countries.

Both leaders agreed on major directions for future cooperation, stressing the need to swiftly and effectively implement agreements between the two Parties and governments. They described strengthening strategic connectivity as a key driver for the next phase of bilateral cooperation, promoting balanced and sustainable trade and facilitating long-term investment by businesses from both countries.

The two sides also agreed to coordinate preparations for major upcoming milestones, including the 65th anniversary of diplomatic relations and the 50th anniversary of the Vietnam-Laos Treaty of Friendship and Cooperation in 2027.

The Party chief emphasised the need to shift from good cooperation to effective cooperation, from commitments to practical results, with the interests of the two peoples serving as the highest measure of success.

Both sides consented to continue enhancing information sharing, coordination and mutual support at regional and international forums, including sub-regional mechanisms, while strengthening cooperation within ASEAN, reinforcing unity and centrality in dealing strategic regional issues.

On the occasion of the Lunar New Year (Tet), the Lao PM extended New Year greetings to the Vietnamese Party, State and people, wishing them good health and happiness.

Party General Secretary To Lam departs for state visit to Laos

VOV.VN - Party General Secretary To Lam led a high-level Vietnamese delegation departing Hanoi for a state visit to Laos on February 5 at the invitation of Thongloun Sisoulith, General Secretary of the Central Committee of the Lao People’s Revolutionary Party (LPRP) and President of Laos.

Vietnam, Laos agree to boost strategic projects, target US$10 billion trade

VOV.VN - Party General Secretary To Lam and General Secretary of the Lao People’s Revolutionary Party (LPRP) and President Thongloun Sisoulith agreed to accelerate strategic cooperation projects and work towards raising bilateral trade to US$10 billion during their talks held in Vientiane on February 5 as part of Party leader To Lam’s state visit to Laos.