Mr Saleumxay Kommasith (right) welcomes Mr Nguyen Chi Dung.

Laos, Vietnam agree to deepen bilateral ties

Laos and Vietnam have agreed to step up joint efforts in key areas of cooperation, laying the groundwork for stronger political and economic ties in the years ahead.
The agreement was made during an official visit by Vietnam’s Deputy Prime Minister Nguyen Chi Dung to Laos from July 9-11, during which he met with Lao leaders and held talks.
As part of the visit, the two countries signed a revised protocol on electricity and coal trade, reaffirming their strategic partnership in the energy sector.
Deputy PM Dung and his Lao counterpart Saleumxay Kommasith witnessed the signing of the protocol and held talks, pledging to accelerate uncompleted cooperation projects, the Lao Ministry of Foreign Affairs said in a press release.
The two sides will work together to realise infrastructure projects, including the construction of the planned Vientiane-Hanoi expressway, and other cooperation projects.
Looking ahead, the two leaders pledged to prepare a new Laos-Vietnam cooperation agreement for 2026–2030 and to coordinate major diplomatic events and joint celebrations.
The Deputy Prime Ministers reviewed the progress made in strengthening political relations, as well as cooperation in defence and security.
They also highlighted growing collaboration in education, human resource development, and trade. In addition, they assessed the implementation of joint investment projects and the grant aid provided to Laos by the Vietnamese Party and state.
Deputy PM Dung paid courtesy visits to President Thongloun Sisoulith and Prime Minister Sonexay Siphandone on Wednesday, aimed at further deepening the longstanding friendly relations, special solidarity and comprehensive cooperation between Laos and Vietnam.
Prime Minister Sonexay proposed that both sides continue to support ongoing and pending projects to ensure their timely and successful completion.
The two countries should continue to strengthen cooperation in national defence and security, economic development, and the energy sector, by fulfilling cooperation agreements to ensure they are effective and appropriate, he said.
Prime Minister Sonexay called for enhanced trade and investment cooperation over the next five years to promote economic integration.
He also underscored the need to maintain reciprocal visits at all levels of government as part of continuing efforts to deepen ties.

By Times Reporters
 (Latest Update July 11, 2025)