Prime Minister Sonexay Siphandone (right) on Friday welcomes Vietnamese President Luong Cuong during his state visit to Laos.

Lao, Vietnamese leaders’ meeting boosts ties to new level

A milestone meeting between the Lao Prime Minister and the President of Vietnam has reinforced the strategic and comprehensive cooperation between the two countries.
The meeting took place during a two-day state visit to Laos on April 24-25 by Vietnamese President Luong Cuong, aimed at strengthening the foundations of the special relationship.
On Friday, Lao Prime Minister Sonexay Siphandone, warmly welcomed President Luong Cuong and his delegation at the Prime Minister’s Office.
The meeting followed on from their recent meeting in Hanoi, when Dr Sonexay led a senior Lao delegation to attend the Partnering for Green Growth and the Global Goals 2030 Summit.
Prime Minister Sonexay expressed his deep appreciation of the state visit to Laos by President Luong Cuong, which is his first foreign trip in his role as President.

He noted that the presidential visit, in addition to being a longstanding tradition between the two countries, reaffirms the importance and priority that the Party, state, and people of Vietnam place on the great friendship, special solidarity, and comprehensive cooperation between Laos and Vietnam.
Prime Minister Sonexay also extended his warmest and most sincere greetings to the leaders of the Vietnamese Party and state, particularly to his Vietnamese counterpart, Pham Minh Chinh.
The two leaders exchanged brief updates on their countries’ socio-economic development and expressed appreciation for the significant achievements made in recent years.
They highlighted the continually strengthening relationship between the two nations, which has yielded fruitful results—particularly through regular exchanges between senior leaders of the two Parties and states.
This reflects the uniquely special relationship that exists between Laos and Vietnam, a bond that is considered unparalleled globally.
The two leaders agreed to continue to push for the fulfilment of agreements reached by senior leaders of both Parties, as well as cooperation plans between the two governments. Emphasis was placed on enhancing economic cooperation to a level that matches the strength of their political ties.
Prime Minister Sonexay also expressed appreciation for the successful official meeting between the Presidents of Laos and Vietnam.
On behalf of the Party, state, and people of Laos, particularly the Siphandone family, he sincerely thanked the Vietnamese Party, state, and people for observing a two-day national mourning period in honour of the former Chairman of the Lao People’s Revolutionary Party Central  Committee and former President of Laos, General Khamtay Siphandone, who died earlier this month.
He especially thanked them for sending a high-level delegation to attend General Khamtay’s funeral, and for the continuous and invaluable assistance provided by Vietnam to Laos over past years.
In response, President Luong Cuong expressed gratitude for the warm reception extended to himself and his delegation and encouraged the Lao and Vietnamese Prime Ministers to continue working closely together to implement the agreements made by the two Politburos, and comply with the decisions made at the 47th meeting of the Laos–Vietnam Cooperation Committee.
He particularly emphasised the importance of implementing key strategic cooperation projects as scheduled, to deliver tangible benefits to the peoples of both countries.
On the same day, President Luong Cuong and his delegation also met with former Secretary Generals of the Lao People’s Revolutionary Party Central Committeee and former Presidents of Laos, Choummaly Sayasone and Bounnhang Vorachit. They also attended a Laos–Vietnam friendship gathering.

By Bounfaeng Phaymanivong
 (Latest Update April 28, 2025)