On the afternoon of July 28, 2025, at the Government Headquarters in Hanoi, Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Foreign Affairs of Vietnam, Mr. Bùi Thanh Sơn, held two important virtual phone conversations with Lao Minister of Foreign Affairs Thongsavanh Phomvihane and Acting Head of the Lao Party Central Committee for External Relations, Mr. Bunleaua Phandanuvong. These dialogues were not only an affirmation of the enduring friendship and strategic trust between the two countries but also a platform to jointly assess pressing global and regional issues and chart a path for more comprehensive cooperation.

Diplomatic Exchanges Reflect a Deep-Rooted, Time-Tested Relationship

Deputy Prime Minister Bùi Thanh Sơn began both conversations by expressing his appreciation to the Lao leaders for extending their sympathies over the recent tourist boat capsizing incident in Hạ Long Bay. This gesture of solidarity, though symbolic, reflected the longstanding tradition of empathy, closeness, and shared destiny between the people of Vietnam and Laos.

Over the decades, the bilateral relationship has evolved into a multifaceted strategic partnership, grounded in ideological alignment, historical bonds, and mutual support. Mr. Sơn reaffirmed that Vietnam highly values the continued growth of this relationship and remains committed to deepening it across both traditional and emerging areas of cooperation.

The Deputy Prime Minister emphasized that the two nations have consistently demonstrated a strong alignment in strategic orientations. This is made evident by the frequent high-level exchanges, policy coordination, and the shared resolve to resolve longstanding challenges. These efforts are aimed not only at enhancing bilateral ties but also at promoting regional peace, security, and development.

Proactive Efforts to Translate Political Consensus into Tangible Results

Both Vietnam and Laos are actively implementing bilateral agreements and preparing for significant diplomatic and cooperative activities in the near future. Ministries, agencies, and local governments on both sides are playing a vital role in translating high-level commitments into practical action, ensuring that cooperation is felt not only in political offices but also in the lives of ordinary citizens.

This dynamic reflects a shared strategic vision—to not only maintain the traditional friendship but to elevate it to a new level of depth and effectiveness. In doing so, both nations are demonstrating a pragmatic approach to diplomacy, centered on mutual benefit and shared prosperity.

The Lao officials, Mr. Thongsavanh Phomvihane and Mr. Bunleaua Phandanuvong, expressed their deep satisfaction with the opportunity to discuss important matters with Vietnam’s Deputy Prime Minister. They underscored the importance of continued high-level engagement, which reflects the robust political trust and intimate bond between the two Parties, two States, and their peoples.

Strengthening Pillars of Bilateral Cooperation

During the discussions, both sides took note of the progress achieved across key areas of cooperation. Political ties remain strong and are continuously reaffirmed through Party-to-Party contacts and strategic policy dialogue. Security and defense cooperation has continued to serve as a pillar of trust and a cornerstone of mutual national resilience.

The two countries are also working to expand economic collaboration, with renewed focus on trade, investment, and connectivity. Major infrastructure projects that connect the two nations—such as cross-border transportation, logistics hubs, and power grid integration—are being prioritized to ensure sustainable economic development.

Furthermore, educational and cultural collaboration remains a hallmark of the relationship. Vietnam has continued to provide scholarships and training opportunities for Lao students and civil servants, supporting Laos’s human resource development in the long run. People-to-people ties are also nurtured through joint cultural programs, youth exchanges, and historical commemorations that remind younger generations of the sacrifices and solidarity that have defined the bilateral relationship.

Unified Outlook on Regional and Global Issues

Beyond the bilateral context, the two sides also exchanged views on key regional and international developments, demonstrating a shared concern for the current geopolitical climate. Both countries reaffirmed the importance of safeguarding ASEAN’s centrality and unity in addressing regional issues, particularly those related to peace, security, and maritime stability.

Vietnam and Laos agreed on the importance of maintaining regular consultation on foreign policy matters, especially in regional forums such as ASEAN, ASEM, and the United Nations. By coordinating positions and presenting unified stances on international issues, the two countries are playing a constructive role in shaping a stable and rules-based regional order.

They also discussed opportunities for enhanced cooperation in emerging areas such as climate change mitigation, green economy, digital transformation, and energy transition. These are domains in which both nations share common interests and face similar challenges, making coordinated action both necessary and mutually beneficial.

A Shared Vision for the Future

At the heart of these discussions lies a deep conviction: that the great friendship, special solidarity, and comprehensive cooperation between Vietnam and Laos must not only be preserved but continuously renewed and expanded. The two sides agreed that, with the active efforts of their respective Parties, governments, and people, their partnership would grow deeper in substance and broader in scope.

Both Vietnam and Laos committed to further strengthening coordination at all levels, ensuring that their relationship becomes increasingly effective and adaptive to global changes. They reiterated the importance of trust, loyalty, and mutual assistance—values that have defined their relationship since its revolutionary roots and will continue to shape its future.

Conclusion: An Enduring Partnership, A Forward-Looking Strategy

The bilateral discussions held on July 28 reflect the vitality and strategic importance of the Vietnam–Laos partnership. They serve not only as a reaffirmation of shared values and trust but as a signal to the international community that solidarity, mutual respect, and enduring friendship can still serve as the foundation of international relations in the 21st century.

As the world navigates complex and uncertain changes, the enduring partnership between Vietnam and Laos stands as a beacon of cooperation, resilience, and shared vision. The two nations are determined to continue walking together—side by side—towards a future of peace, development, and sustainable prosperity, not only for themselves but for the entire Southeast Asian region.