Vietnam and Laos agreed at their leaders' meeting today (September 10) to deepen political relations, enhance mutual understanding and strengthen trust to further expand their comprehensive cooperation.

The high-level meeting between Vietnam's General Secretary and President To Lam and his Lao counterpart Thongloun Sisoulith in Hanoi on September 10. Photo: VOV

At the meeting in Hanoi, Vietnamese General Secretary of the Communist Party and President To Lam and his Laotian counterpart Thongloun Sisoulith pledged to maintain high-level visits, exchanges, and information sharing between the leadership of the two parties and nations.

They stressed the importance of strategic coordination and theoretical exchanges, especially on emerging issues.

Both sides agreed to promote the special relationship between Vietnam, Laos, and Cambodia among their citizens, especially the younger generations.

The leaders emphasized the importance of strengthening national defense and security relations to address and manage increasingly complex security challenges.

Accordingly, Vietnam and Laos will effectively implement defense and security cooperation protocols and plans, contributing to the political stability of both countries.

Lam and Thongloun also hoped to maximize each other's advantages and strengthen their relations in the fields of economy, culture, and science and technology.

The two leaders pledged to boost connectivity in infrastructure, transportation, telecommunications, and tourism to spur socio-economic growth in Vietnam, Laos, and Cambodia.

The two sides pledged to resolve any obstacles to priority projects of mutual interest. They will also exchange information and cooperate on international and regional issues, including the South China Sea and the sustainable use of the Mekong River's water resources.

The leaders expressed satisfaction with the progress of bilateral relations and the effective implementation of various projects. They agreed on ways to further deepen cooperation in various fields.

General Secretary of the Communist Party and President of Vietnam To Lam (left) and his Lao counterpart Thongloun Sisoulith at this morning's reception. Photo: VOV

They emphasized the invaluable and strategic nature of the Vietnam-Laos relationship, built on a foundation laid by Presidents Ho Chi Minh, Kaysone Phomvihane, and Souphanouvong and continuously nurtured by successive generations of leaders. This relationship, based on solidarity and comprehensive cooperation, remains vital to the stability and development of both countries.

The two leaders reaffirmed their commitment to safeguarding and strengthening the special relationship between Vietnam and Laos for the benefit of their people and for regional and global peace and development.

At the meeting, Vietnamese General Secretary and President Lam said he believed Thongloun Sisoulith's visit would enhance Vietnam-Laos bilateral relations and reaffirmed Vietnam's commitment to further develop its relations with Laos and Cambodia.

For his part, the Laotian guest expressed his gratitude for the warm welcome, which showed the unique brotherly bond between Vietnam and Laos.

The two leaders wave people at the Presidential Palace.

Thongloun Sisoulith congratulated To Lam on his election as General Secretary of the Communist Party and President of Vietnam. He also paid tribute to the late General Secretary Nguyen Phu Trong for his contributions to Vietnam's development and Vietnam-Laos relations. 

The Lao guest also offered his condolences for the damage caused by Typhoon Yagi in Vietnam. He expressed confidence that Vietnam would continue to move forward under Lam's leadership and recover from the natural disaster.

Highlighting Vietnam's achievements after 40 years, Thongloun Sisoulith considered Vietnam an inspiration for Laos. He firmly believed that the Vietnamese Communist Party would lead the nation to become an upper middle-income economy by 2030 and a developed high-income economy by 2045.

In response, the Vietnamese leader praised Laos' recent progress and successful ASEAN chairmanship. He expressed confidence that Laos will achieve its goals under the leadership of Thongloun Sisoulith, including a successful 12th Party Congress and building a peaceful, independent, democratic, united, and prosperous Laos.

The Vietnamese leader also reiterated Vietnam's strong support for Laos' development and its success as ASEAN chair in 2024.

Vietnam and Laos established diplomatic relations on September 5, 1962. In January-August this year, bilateral trade reached US$1.3 billion, and Vietnamese enterprises invested a total of US$5.5 billion in 256 projects in Laos.

Ceremonial reception at the Presidential Palace in Hanoi to welcome the General Secretary and President of Laos, Thongloun Sisoulith. Photo: VOV