Prime Minister Pham Minh Chinh’s official visit to the Lao People’s Democratic Republic and his co-chairmanship of the 47th meeting of the Vietnam–Laos Inter-Governmental Committee mark a pivotal moment in the evolving relationship between the two nations. This high-level diplomatic engagement—held from January 9 to 10, 2025—underscores the enduring strength and strategic depth of Vietnam–Laos relations in the face of an increasingly complex global and regional landscape.

As the first international mission by a senior Vietnamese leader in 2025, and the first high-level visit Laos hosted in the new year, the event reflects the mutual prioritization and trust the two nations have consistently placed in each other. Vietnamese Ambassador to Laos, Mr. Nguyen Minh Tam, emphasized in an interview with the Vietnam News Agency that this visit is not only symbolic of the historic friendship between the two countries but also a strategic milestone that will contribute to practical and comprehensive cooperation in the years ahead.

Reinforcing Special Ties in a Changing World

According to Ambassador Tam, the visit reaffirms Vietnam’s unwavering commitment to advancing its ties with Laos—anchored in the values of great friendship, special solidarity, and all-encompassing cooperation. The occasion is expected to breathe new life into the time-tested partnership by reviewing the achievements of the 2024 cooperation plan and outlining strategic directions for 2025.

The 47th meeting of the Vietnam–Laos Inter-Governmental Committee will serve as a key platform for the two sides to assess progress in various fields, including political collaboration, national defence and security, trade and investment, education, and vocational training. Crucially, both governments will also seek to formulate breakthrough measures that can reinforce economic resilience and expand opportunities for sustainable growth amidst global economic uncertainties and geopolitical challenges.

Expanding Economic and Infrastructure Synergies

Among the key highlights of the visit are the Vietnam–Laos Investment Cooperation Conference and the inauguration of the Laos–Vietnam Friendship Park, alongside the signing of multiple cooperation agreements. These initiatives aim to further tighten the interlinkages between the Vietnamese and Lao economies through enhanced coordination in areas such as transport connectivity, energy (including clean and renewable energy), telecommunications, agriculture, finance, tourism, and digital transformation.

Ambassador Tam stressed the importance of these efforts in creating synchronized frameworks—ranging from financial systems to legal regulations—that will facilitate greater cross-border trade and investment. He also highlighted the potential of this cooperation to shield both countries from external shocks, while jointly unlocking opportunities for inclusive and green development.

A Shared Strategic Role in Regional Stability

Beyond the bilateral scope, Vietnam–Laos relations also contribute significantly to regional peace, security, and prosperity. Ambassador Tam noted that the sustained strengthening of this relationship enhances the standing and influence of both countries within ASEAN and other regional forums. Their cooperation fosters consensus, encourages peaceful dialogue, and supports multilateralism—values that are increasingly vital in today’s rapidly shifting geopolitical environment.

The visit by PM Chinh also sends a powerful message about the shared political will and commitment of both Parties and Governments to preserve and build upon their unique partnership. As the region faces emerging challenges—from climate change and cybersecurity threats to economic uncertainty—such unity becomes not only desirable but necessary.

Deepening Mechanisms for Practical Cooperation

Looking ahead, Ambassador Tam underscored the importance of translating high-level commitments into tangible outcomes. This includes ensuring the effective implementation of key strategic frameworks such as the Vietnam–Laos Cooperation Strategy for 2021–2030 and the Bilateral Cooperation Agreement for 2021–2025.

Priority areas include promoting self-reliant and independent economies, advancing joint infrastructure and energy projects, expanding connectivity through cross-border transport corridors, and investing in priority sectors such as agriculture, digital technology, clean energy, and tourism. Encouraging Vietnamese enterprises to invest more deeply in Laos—especially in transformative and high-potential sectors—will be a vital step toward equitable development for both sides.

Additionally, the Ambassador called for stronger oversight and performance monitoring of existing and upcoming projects to ensure timely and impactful implementation. Such measures will help translate bilateral aspirations into meaningful improvements in people’s lives.

Building a Border of Peace, Friendship, and Shared Growth

Security and defence cooperation remain foundational to the relationship. Ambassador Tam highlighted the shared commitment to maintaining a stable, peaceful, and cooperative border—a region that serves not as a division but as a bridge for people-to-people exchange and socio-economic integration.

In light of emerging transnational challenges, the two nations must intensify their coordination in defence, intelligence sharing, and law enforcement. This will help preserve political stability, maintain public order, and strengthen both countries’ capacity to respond to increasingly complex regional security dynamics.

Honouring History, Inspiring the Next Generation

The Ambassador also drew attention to the cultural and emotional dimension of bilateral relations. Rooted in shared history and revolutionary camaraderie, the Vietnam–Laos relationship has long been a source of pride and strength. However, its future vitality depends on continued efforts to educate and inspire younger generations.

Accordingly, the two countries must deepen cooperation in education, youth exchanges, cultural promotion, and public awareness initiatives. A more vibrant understanding of the historic alliance, especially among young people, will ensure that the spirit of solidarity continues to thrive in the decades to come.

A series of important events in 2025—including the 80th anniversary of Vietnam’s National Day, the 50th anniversary of Laos’ National Day, the 95th anniversary of the Communist Party of Vietnam, the 70th anniversary of the Lao People’s Revolutionary Party, and key anniversaries of national leaders like President Ho Chi Minh and President Kaysone Phomvihane—will offer timely opportunities to deepen historical consciousness and collective pride.

A Strategic Vision for Enduring Unity

As Ambassador Tam concluded, Prime Minister Pham Minh Chinh’s visit is far more than a diplomatic protocol—it is a strategic declaration of intent. It showcases the Vietnamese and Lao leadership’s determination to elevate their special relationship from a historical legacy into a living, evolving partnership capable of addressing contemporary challenges and delivering real benefits to both peoples.

This visit is expected to inject fresh momentum into bilateral cooperation, making it more substantive, efficient, and impactful across all areas. Through visionary leadership, practical mechanisms, and mutual trust, the two countries are well-positioned to navigate the road ahead—hand in hand, as they have always done.