Joint statement between Viet Nam and Laos on the occasion of General Secretary To Lam’s State visit to Laos

Within the framework of the State visit to the Lao People’s Democratic Republic by To Lam, General Secretary of the Central Committee of the Communist Party of Viet Nam, his Spouse, and the high-ranking delegation of the Party and State of Viet Nam, to attend the ceremony marking the 50th National Day of the Lao People’s Democratic Republic and to co-chair the high-level meeting between the Communist Party of Viet Nam and the Lao People’s Revolutionary Party in Vientiane, the two sides issued a joint statement.

1. At the invitation of Thongloun Sisoulith, General Secretary of the Central Committee of the Lao People’s Revolutionary Party and President of the Lao People’s Democratic Republic, and his Spouse, To Lam, General Secretary of the Central Committee of the Communist Party of Viet Nam, and his Spouse, together with the high-ranking delegation of the Party and State of Viet Nam, paid a State visit to the Lao People’s Democratic Republic, attended the ceremony marking the 50th National Day of Laos, and co-chaired the annual meeting between the Communist Party of Viet Nam and the Lao People’s Revolutionary Party, from 1–2 December.

During the visit, General Secretary To Lam held talks with Thongloun Sisoulith, General Secretary and President of Laos; met with Sonexay Siphandone, Prime Minister of Laos, and Xaysomphone Phomvihane, President of the National Assembly of Laos; attended the ceremony marking the 50th National Day of the Lao People’s Democratic Republic; co-chaired the high-level meeting between the Communist Party of Viet Nam and the Lao People’s Revolutionary Party; laid a wreath at the Monument to the Unknown Martyrs; attended the inauguration ceremony of the Laos – Viet Nam Friendship Park; visited former senior leaders of the Party and State of Laos; delivered a policy speech at the National Academy of Politics and Public Administration of Laos and participated in several other activities in Laos.

2. In an atmosphere filled with friendship, special solidarity, and deep mutual trust, the two sides held extensive, comprehensive, and substantive discussions on the situation in each Party and each country; on Viet Nam – Laos relations; and on regional and international issues of shared concern.

The two sides warmly congratulated and highly valued the significant, comprehensive, and historically meaningful achievements attained by the two Parties, the two States, and the peoples of the two countries in recent times. The two sides affirmed that the sharing of experiences, consultation, and application of each other’s breakthrough policies in Party building and rectification, anti-corruption efforts, economic development, building an independent and self-reliant economy, training high-quality human resources, improving organizational structures, and preparing for the national congresses of each Party have contributed importantly to maintaining political stability, promoting socio-economic development, strengthening national defense and security, and expanding external relations.

The two sides expressed profound confidence that, under the wise leadership of the Communist Party of Viet Nam and the Lao People’s Revolutionary Party, inheriting the cause of previous generations, and promoting the glorious revolutionary tradition and the special solidarity between the two nations, the work of renewal, national construction, and national defense in each country will continue to achieve even greater accomplishments.

The two sides highly appreciated the consistent maintenance of visits, meetings, and contacts between high-level leaders in recent times through various flexible and innovative forms; the effective promotion and operation of existing cooperation mechanisms; and the proactive establishment and improvement of many specific mechanisms and strategic policy consultation mechanisms, including the coordination in sending Viet Nam’s expert teams to Laos to exchange experiences to promptly address difficulties. They also coordinated in providing guidance on major issues related to security, development, and integration of each country, thereby making important contributions to enhancing the effectiveness of cooperation at all levels and across all fields.

3. On the basis of inheriting and promoting the traditional special solidarity between the two countries, the two sides agreed to deepen the substance of Viet Nam – Laos relations to a new height, defining them as relations of “Great friendship, special solidarity, comprehensive cooperation, strategic linkage”, reflecting a shared vision, intertwined strategic interests, and long-term alignment for sustainable development, resilience, and common prosperity of the two nations.

The two sides affirmed that strategic linkage will serve as the foundation for strongly promoting cooperation in a deeper and more substantive manner, especially in aligning visions and goals, development policies and strategies, infrastructure and development space, and education, training, and human resource development, thereby strengthening the security and sustainable development of the two countries.

The two sides agreed to steadfastly attach special importance to, and remain determined to preserve and promote, the great friendship, special solidarity, comprehensive cooperation, and strategic linkage founded by President Ho Chi Minh, President Kaysone Phomvihane, and President Souphanouvong, nurtured by generations of leaders and peoples of the two countries; and now continued and developed in accordance with the requirements, vision, and strategic interests of the two countries in the new period.

4. Both sides reaffirmed their commitment to elevating strategic trust to a higher level, underscoring the consistent policy of the two Parties and the two States to stand shoulder to shoulder, support, and assist each other in the cause of renewal, nation-building, development and national defense.

The Viet Nam – Laos and Laos – Viet Nam relationship has always been identified as a top priority in each country’s foreign policy. It is an exemplary, long-term strategic relationship and one of the decisive factors contributing to the success of each country’s revolutionary cause. This relationship is a priceless asset and a strategic foundation for the stability, development, and integration of both nations. It is also a historical principle, a source of strength, and a driving force for both countries to preserve, nurture, and pass on to future generations.

Both sides affirmed their determination to strive toward new milestones of development and to successfully organize the National Congress of each Party. They expressed their aspirations that by 2045 – marking the 100th anniversary of the founding of the Socialist Republic of Viet Nam – Viet Nam will become a developed, high-income country; and that by 2055 – marking the 100th anniversary of the founding of the Lao People’s Revolutionary Party – Laos will become a developing country with upper-middle-income status. Both sides also aim to build Viet Nam and Laos into increasingly prosperous, democratic, equitable, and civilized nations; to continuously enhance each country’s role and position in the region and internationally; and to advance toward socialism in a manner suited to each country’s practical conditions.

Both sides reaffirmed their commitment to effectively implementing the framework of great friendship, special solidarity, comprehensive cooperation, and strategic linkage in the new era of development. They agreed to continue elevating the level of strategic connectivity in the political relations between the two Parties and the two States, considering it a core pillar that provides the overarching strategic direction for the comprehensive Viet Nam – Laos cooperation.

Both sides agreed to strengthen cooperation and close coordination in Party building and the development of the political system, while jointly implementing breakthrough initiatives in socio-economic development, macroeconomic stabilization, and international integration.

The two sides reached consensus in strategic thinking and action to ensure that Viet Nam – Laos relations become increasingly close, comprehensively developed, and sustainable in the new era.

5. Both sides continued to emphasize and reaffirm the strategic importance of further strengthening cooperation in national defense and security – one of the key pillars of the special Viet Nam – Laos relationship.

The two sides agreed to closely coordinate in safeguarding political security and social order, firmly protecting independence, sovereignty, and territorial integrity; while building a strategically linked defense and security posture, and supporting each other in preventing and responding to both traditional and non-traditional security threats.

Both sides agreed to closely coordinate in maintaining political stability; firmly safeguarding independence, sovereignty, and territorial integrity; and ensuring national security, social order, and safety in each country. They committed to substantive and effective implementation of the Protocols, Agreements, Cooperation Plans, and Memoranda of Understanding between the Ministries of National Defense and the Ministries of Public Security of Viet Nam and Laos. They also pledged to effectively carry out the Agreement on Residence, the Consular Agreement, and the Labor Agreement between the two countries; and to strictly implement the Agreement on the Border Management Regulations and the Land Border Gate System, thereby building a Viet Nam – Laos borderline of peace, stability, friendship, cooperation, and sustainable development.

Both sides reaffirmed their consistent view that the security of one country is closely linked with the security of the other; and that they will resolutely prevent hostile forces from using the territory of one country to sabotage the other or to incite division and undermine the special solidarity between Viet Nam and Laos. They further agreed to strengthen effective coordination in preventing and countering schemes of “peaceful evolution” and “violent subversion”, as well as in jointly combating and refuting distorted and wrongful narratives aimed at undermining the special Viet Nam – Laos relationship.

Both sides affirmed the importance they attach to enhancing consultations and mutual support in strengthening and building a solid defense and security posture. They agreed to promote cooperation in capacity-building, training, education, and information sharing to effectively respond to traditional and non-traditional security challenges; to closely coordinate in conducting military exercises, responding to non-traditional security threats, counterterrorism, border control, preventing illegal migration and resource exploitation; and to ensure political security, social order and safety, border security, and the fight against transnational crimes, particularly drug-related crimes and cybercrime.

Both sides also welcomed the outcomes of the signing ceremony of the United Nations Convention on Countering the Use of Information and Communications Technologies for Criminal Purposes held in Ha Noi, and affirmed their commitment to promptly completing domestic procedures for ratification, thereby contributing to the effective implementation of the Convention.

Both sides continued to strengthen the linkage between defense and security cooperation programs and projects with sustainable socio-economic development, particularly those implemented in strategic areas and along the shared border.

The two sides agreed to further promote friendship and cooperation through Viet Nam – Laos border defense exchanges, and to enhance the effectiveness of existing cooperation mechanisms.

At the same time, both sides will continue to closely coordinate in the search, collection, exhumation, and repatriation of the remains of Vietnamese martyrs, volunteer soldiers, and experts who sacrificed their lives in Laos - an expression of the traditional moral values and the special bond of loyalty and attachment between the two nations. They also agreed to jointly inspect, maintain, and restore monuments and works symbolizing the friendship and combat alliance between Viet Nam and Laos.

6. Both sides agreed to demonstrate strong political will in creating substantial and strategic breakthroughs in economic, trade, investment, and infrastructure cooperation, transforming this area into a pillar of strategic connectivity commensurate with the significance of the special Viet Nam – Laos relationship.

The commissioning of Terminal No.3 – the Laos – Viet Nam International Port – represents not only progress in infrastructure development but also a symbol of strategic linkage in development space, contributing to realizing the vision of “enabling Laos to access the sea” and connecting Viet Nam, Laos, and the region within a sustainable development corridor.

Both sides committed to continuing close cooperation to contribute to ensuring economic and energy security for each country; and agreed to accelerate the implementation of major strategic projects in the fields of energy, key mineral resource exploitation, and transportation infrastructure connectivity.

Both sides affirmed their determination to create all favorable conditions and mobilize investment resources to promptly realize key cooperation projects, including the Vientiane – Vung Ang railway; electricity transmission lines from northern Laos to Viet Nam; cooperation in coal and electricity trading; and mineral resource exploitation. The two sides will also continue studying the construction of a strategic petroleum storage facility in the border area on Lao territory, considering it an important driver and catalyst for breakthroughs in bilateral cooperation in the coming period.

Viet Nam welcomed Laos’ decision on the plan to proactively commence the construction of the Ha Noi – Vientiane Expressway, specifically the section from Vientiane to the Thanh Thuy border gate. Viet Nam will likewise begin construction of the section from Vinh to the Thanh Thủy border gate in early 2026.

Both sides expressed their desire to soon complete the interconnection of these sections to finalize the Ha Noi – Vientiane Expressway, meeting the shared aspiration of both countries to enhance infrastructure connectivity and create favorable conditions for development, particularly in linking Vung Ang Port with this vital route.

Both sides will work together to study and propose appropriate solutions to remove obstacles and bottlenecks, ensuring that the projects achieve their objectives in accordance with the guidelines and directives of the high-level leaders of the two Parties and the two States.

At the same time, they will focus on expanding new economic cooperation corridors, strengthening connectivity and mutual complementarity between the two economies, particularly in the areas of institutions, finance, transport infrastructure, logistics, energy, telecommunications, and tourism, developing integrated production and supply chains.

They also encouraged, facilitated, and supported capable, reputable, and financially strong enterprises of both countries to enhance cooperation and investment in innovation, digital transformation, renewable energy, high-tech agriculture, processing industries, green development, the digital economy, tourism, and other fields; and to effectively implement cooperation documents in the energy sector.

Both sides agreed to prioritize assigning border area projects to enterprises of the two countries, particularly those related to the construction of key infrastructure; to promote the implementation of the Viet Nam – Laos Industrial Park model and cross-border economic cooperation along the East – West economic corridor; and to build a stable and favorable investment and business environment for sustainable development by enterprises of both countries.

The two sides agreed to make efforts to boost the growth of bilateral trade, striving to soon achieve the target of USD 5 billion in the near future; and to strengthen connectivity and support the business communities in promoting trade, marketing, branding, and distribution networks for Vietnamese and Lao products in each country, thereby creating stable and sustainable market access for the products of both Viet Nam and Laos.

At the same time, they will accelerate the implementation of approved aid projects; enhance and promote the effectiveness of cooperation mechanisms; and advance the digitalization of bilateral retail payments, thereby strengthening economic linkages and creating new momentum for Viet Nam – Laos trade cooperation.

The two sides agreed to innovate and improve the quality and effectiveness of Viet Nam’s assistance to Laos by shifting the focus from breadth to depth; standardizing procedures for selecting, appraising, and implementing projects based on clear criteria and specific timelines; and ensuring that such assistance is practical and sustainable.

7. General Secretary To Lam and General Secretary and President of Laos Thongloun Sisoulith agreed to attach great importance to and further promote cooperation in training high-quality human resources, with particular priority given to training and fostering leadership and managerial personnel for Lao ministries, sectors, and localities. They also agreed to consider preferential policies for officials with many years of service who are dedicated to and well-versed in bilateral relations, as well as preferential policies for students from one country studying in the other.

Both sides will continue to effectively implement the Protocol on training cooperation between the two Governments for the 2022–2027 period, while promoting the execution of tasks and solutions under the Scheme on enhancing the quality and effectiveness of Viet Nam – Laos educational cooperation for the 2021–2030 period.

The two sides will also strengthen short-term training and capacity-building programs for Lao officials and civil servants, especially strategic-level personnel, while focusing on developing high-quality human resources and promoting cooperation in skills development and vocational training at both the central and local levels.

Both sides agreed to continue implementing the Vietnamese language teaching program and the use of Vietnamese textbooks in Lao secondary schools; to organize Vietnamese language courses for Lao students and officials at agencies and units that have the need and sufficient conditions; and to study and promote the introduction of the Lao language into the curricula of Vietnamese general education institutions. They also agreed to provide Lao language training for certain Vietnamese ministries, sectors, and central-level organizations that regularly cooperate with Lao counterparts, thereby contributing to strengthening exchanges, cooperation, and the nurturing of the special solidarity between the two countries.

Both sides agreed to coordinate in organizing a variety of meaningful activities and events on the occasion of the Viet Nam – Laos, Laos – Viet Nam Solidarity Year 2027 and other major celebrations of the two countries, with rich and practical content; and to promote cooperation in information and communications, renewing the content and methods of dissemination and education on the tradition of great friendship, special solidarity, comprehensive cooperation, and strategic connectivity between Viet Nam and Laos among officials, Party members, and people of both countries, particularly the younger generation and the armed forces.

The two sides also agreed to step up people-to-people exchanges and to regularly organize friendly exchange activities in border areas, youth exchange programs, and cultural, artistic, and sports events, with a view to strengthening mutual understanding, trust, and bonds between the peoples of the two countries. They further agreed to soon implement the widespread teaching in each country’s educational institutions of the History of the Special Viet Nam – Laos, Laos – Viet Nam Relationship anthology.

Both sides actively coordinated in building, preserving, restoring, and promoting the value of historical relics that hold significance for the relationship between the two Parties and the two peoples, including the “Truong Son Road – Ho Chi Minh Trail on Lao territory” and the “Relic Site of the First Congress of the Lao People’s Revolutionary Party in the Vietnam – Laos border area”. These sites are regarded as sacred symbols of the faithful and steadfast relationship between the two Parties, the two States, and the peoples of both countries. Several symbolic projects have been inaugurated and put into operation, contributing to creating new hallmarks and further deepening the special solidarity between Vietnam and Laos, and between Laos and Vietnam.

The two sides agreed to continue directing efforts to improve the effectiveness and expand cooperation and mutual assistance among Party commissions, ministries and government agencies, Committees of the National Assemblies, the Fronts, mass organizations, people’s organizations, and localities of both countries, especially those sharing the border. They will review and reorganize cooperation among localities after both sides complete the restructuring of local government apparatuses, ensuring unified central-level management, practicality, and efficiency. Both sides will also actively exchange information, share experiences, and continue to support each other for mutual development.

8. Both sides agreed to enhance information exchange, promptly conduct consultations, closely coordinate, and effectively support each other at international and regional forums, particularly within the framework of the Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN) and ASEAN-led mechanisms, the United Nations, Mekong sub-regional cooperation mechanisms, the World Trade Organization, and the Asia–Europe Meeting (ASEM). These efforts aim to contribute to maintaining peace, stability, cooperation, and development in the region and the world, while enhancing the prestige and position of each country and strengthening the central role of the special Vietnam – Laos relationship in the region.

Both sides emphasized the importance of maintaining ASEAN unity and centrality; and agreed to strengthen cooperation to effectively implement the ASEAN Community Vision 2045 and its accompanying strategic plans, thereby contributing to the realization of a resilient, dynamic, innovative, united, and cohesive ASEAN Community that is people-centered.

Both sides agreed to continue strengthening cooperation and close coordination with Mekong sub-region countries, partners, and relevant international organizations in the management and use of water resources and other resources in an efficient, equitable, and sustainable manner. They will also jointly monitor, inspect, and comprehensively assess impacts, including transboundary impacts; exchange information related to operational data of mainstream development projects, meteorology, and hydrology; and enhance early-warning mechanisms to improve drought and flood preparedness, thereby contributing to sustainable development in the Mekong sub-region in line with the common interests of Mekong riparian countries.

Both sides agreed to continue enhancing cooperation to mobilize resources from partners and relevant international organizations to support the connectivity of the two economies as well as the socio-economic development of each country.

The two sides closely coordinated within the framework of the 1995 Mekong Agreement on sustainable development cooperation in the Mekong sub-region, as well as within the framework of member countries of the Mekong River Commission and other relevant cooperation mechanisms. They emphasized the promotion and strengthening of the integration of sub-regional cooperation mechanisms with the ASEAN Community-building process; and encouraged ASEAN countries and extra-regional partners to actively participate in supporting and investing in the Mekong sub-region in key areas such as infrastructure connectivity, energy, innovative technologies, and human resource development.

Both sides reaffirmed ASEAN’s principled position on the South China Sea as reflected in ASEAN Statements; emphasized the importance of maintaining peace, stability, and ensuring security, safety, and freedom of navigation and overflight in the South China Sea; exercising self-restraint; avoiding actions that complicate the situation or increase tensions; and resolving disputes by peaceful means on the basis of international law, including the 1982 United Nations Convention on the Law of the Sea (UNCLOS 1982). The two sides, together with other relevant parties, committed to promoting the full and effective implementation of the Declaration on the Conduct of Parties in the South China Sea (DOC) and to working toward the early conclusion of a substantive, effective Code of Conduct in the South China Sea (COC) in accordance with international law, including UNCLOS 1982.

9. Both sides highly valued the historical significance and special importance of the visit, which took place as the two Parties, the two States, and the peoples of both countries are striving to implement their strategic national development goals, while actively preparing for the National Congresses of each Party and the elections of the new-term National Assembly in early 2026.

The visit is a historic diplomatic event, reflecting the deep respect, profound attention, close affection, and strong support and encouragement that the two Parties, the two States, and the peoples of Vietnam and Laos dedicate to one another. It affirms that the success of each country is also the shared success of both.

General Secretary and President of Laos Thongloun Sisoulith and other senior Lao leaders warmly welcomed and highly appreciated the State visit to Laos by General Secretary To Lam, his Spouse, and the Delegation, which took place on the historic occasion of the 50th anniversary of the National Day of the Lao People’s Democratic Republic. They emphasized that the significant achievements attained by the Lao Party, State, and people in recent years bear the important contribution of the sincere, wholehearted, effective, and timely support from the Vietnamese Party, State, and people. This support has not only served as a great source of encouragement but also stands as vivid evidence of the loyal, steadfast, and mutually supportive relationship, sharing both hardships and happiness between the two Parties, the two States, and the peoples of the two countries throughout the revolutionary history of Vietnam and Laos, as well as in their current efforts to safeguard, build, and develop their respective nations.

General Secretary To Lam expressed profound appreciation and everlasting gratitude for the valuable, sincere, and wholehearted support and assistance that the Lao Party, State, and People have extended to the Vietnamese Party, State, and People during the struggle for national liberation and reunification in the past, as well as in the cause of national construction and defense today.

General Secretary To Lam affirmed that the 12th National Congress of the Lao People’s Revolutionary Party is a political event of exceptional importance, not only for the revolutionary cause of Laos but also for creating new momentum and an important foundation for advancing cooperation between the two Parties and the two States in the time ahead.

Vietnam consistently supports Laos’ new and breakthrough development orientations and firmly believes that, under the wise leadership of the Lao People’s Revolutionary Party, Laos will continue to maintain political stability, achieve sustainable socio-economic development, and constantly improve the well-being of its people.

General Secretary To Lam emphasized that the success of the 12th National Congress, together with the upcoming National Assembly election, will form a favorable basis for Laos to realize its goal of building a peaceful, independent, democratic, unified, and prosperous nation.

Both sides agreed that the State visit to Laos by General Secretary To Lam and his Spouse was highly successful and constitutes an important milestone, opening a new chapter in the history of Vietnam – Laos relations.

The visit contributed to further strengthening and nurturing the great friendship, special solidarity, comprehensive cooperation, and strategic partnership between the two countries. It elevated Vietnam – Laos, Laos – Vietnam relations to new heights with deeper political trust, creating breakthrough momentum for substantive, sustainable, and long-term development cooperation, and making a positive contribution to peace, stability, and development in the region and the world.

10. General Secretary To Lam and his Spouse expressed their sincere gratitude to General Secretary and President of Laos Thongloun Sisoulith and his Spouse, as well as to the senior leaders of the Lao Party, State, and People for the exceptionally respectful and warm reception, which deeply reflects the special Vietnam – Laos solidarity. General Secretary To Lam extended an invitation to General Secretary and President of Laos Thongloun Sisoulith and his Spouse, along with senior leaders of the Lao Party and State, to pay an official visit to Vietnam.

General Secretary and President of Laos Thongloun Sisoulith and the senior Lao leaders expressed their sincere thanks and gladly accepted the invitation.

Vientiane Capital, December 2, 2025.