Vice President Ms Pany Yathotou (right) welcomes her Vietnamese counterpart Ms Vo Thi Anh Xuan.

Vietnamese VP makes official visit to Laos to deepen bilateral ties

The Vice President of Vietnam, Ms Vo Thi Anh Xuan, arrived in Vientiane on Thursday for an official visit to Laos from August 21-22, at the invitation of Lao Vice President Ms Pany Yathotou.
Her visit aims to further strengthen the great friendship, special solidarity and comprehensive cooperation between Laos and Vietnam.
Upon her arrival at Wattay International Airport, Ms Vo Thi Anh Xuan and her delegation were warmly welcomed by the Vice Chairman of the Vientiane Administration Committee, Mr Phouvong Vongkhamxao, together with representatives of the Lao government and other officials.
On the same day, a meeting between the two vice presidents and their delegations took place at the Presidential Office.

The visiting Vietnamese delegation led by Vice President Ms Vo Thi Anh Xuan meets with Lao Vice President Ms Pany Yathotou and other Lao officials at the Presidential Office in Vientiane.

Ms Pany warmly welcomed the Vietnamese delegation, noting that Ms Vo Thi Anh Xuan’s visit to Laos, her first since assuming office, reflects the profound friendship and solidarity between the two Parties, states, and peoples.
The visit significantly bolsters the two countries’ long-standing great friendship, special solidarity, and comprehensive cooperation, as both nations prepare to mark major anniversaries, namely the 80th anniversary of Vietnam’s founding and the 50th anniversary of the establishment of the Lao PDR.
The two leaders held sincere and friendly talks, sharing updates on socio-economic development, congratulating each other on achievements, reviewing past cooperation, and setting directions for the future.
They expressed satisfaction that relations have steadily grown across all sectors.
Political ties have deepened through regular reciprocal visits by government delegations, including the attendance of the Lao and Vietnamese presidents at the opening of Pier 3 at the Vung Ang Port in Vietnam in April this year.
Defence and security remain a pillar of the relationship through close collaboration in activities such as the joint survey of the historic Ho Chi Minh trail in the Phou Luang range.
In foreign affairs, the two countries coordinate closely and support each other in regional and international forums.
Economic and commercial cooperation has also advanced, with Vietnam among the top investors in Laos and two-way trade increasing annually.
Other areas, including technology, education, health, culture, sports, tourism, mass organisations, and people-to-people links, have also seen continuous progress.
Strategic cooperation projects are moving forward, while both sides welcomed UNESCO’s recognition of the Hin Nam No National Park in Laos and Phong Nha-Ke Bang in Vietnam as a joint World Natural Heritage site.
The two vice presidents agreed to further encourage sectors at all levels to implement agreements made by their top leaders and memorandums of cooperation, particularly strategic projects linking the two economies as a foundation for regional integration and future growth.
They also shared views on regional and international issues of mutual interest.
Both vice presidents affirmed their commitment to continued close cooperation and mutual support, and agreed to further strengthen the great friendship, special solidarity, and comprehensive cooperation between Laos and Vietnam for the lasting prosperity of their peoples.
The visiting Vietnamese vice president will also pay a courtesy visit to the Secretary General of the Lao People’s Revolutionary Party and President of Laos, Mr Thongloun Sisoulith, and meet with Prime Minister Sonexay Siphandone.
In addition, Ms Vo Thi Anh Xuan will take part in several official activities, including a ceremony to declare the Phou Luang mountain range in Laos a national historical site, and an event to celebrate the 80th anniversary of Vietnam’s National Day.
Her programme also includes a visit to a vocational training centre for disabled women and tours of key cultural attractions.
The visit by the Vietnamese vice president reflects the shared commitment of the Lao and Vietnamese Parties, states and peoples to deepen their long-standing ties and advance cooperation across various fields.

By Bounfaeng Phaymanivong
(Latest Update August 22, 2025)