Vientiane:Lao Deputy Prime Minister Saleumxay Kommasith met with Vietnamese Deputy Prime Minister Pham Gia Tuc to review bilateral cooperation and key projects during the first nine months of the year. The meeting took place in Vientiane on September 21, 2026, during Pham Gia Tuc’s official visit to Laos.
According to Lao News Agency, the talks focused on enhancing the friendship, solidarity, and strategic partnership between Laos and Vietnam. Both sides provided updates on their domestic situations and socio-economic developments while evaluating the implementation of the 2026 bilateral cooperation plan.
The discussions highlighted the progress in cooperation, guided by the two Parties and States, with ministries and local authorities maintaining close coordination across various sectors. Political and foreign affairs cooperation has deepened with regular exchanges of high-level delegations. The defence and security partnership continued to serve as a significant pillar of their relationship.
Education and human resource development remain priorities, with Vietnam awarding 1,300 scholarships to Lao students in 2026 and advancing the Laos-Vietnam Friendship University project. Vietnamese investments in Laos include 435 projects valued at US$8 billion, making Vietnam the second-largest investor among 53 countries. The Lao government approved six new projects worth US$4.7 billion by Vietnamese enterprises in the first eight months of 2026.
Bilateral trade between the two countries reached US$1.8 billion during the same period. The leaders agreed to promote key projects, including the Vientiane-Hanoi Expressway and Vientiane-Vung Ang Railway, alongside electricity trading and petroleum facilities.
Discussions also covered preparations for Vietnamese Prime Minister Le Minh Hung’s upcoming official visit to Laos. Saleumxay welcomed Pham Gia Tuc, expressing confidence in strengthening bilateral relations and congratulating him on his recent appointment.
