Minister of Foreign Affairs of Laos and Vietnam Discuss Strengthening Bilateral Ties

Vientiane: Mr. Thongsavanh Phomvihane, Member of the Party Central Committee and Minister of Foreign Affairs, met with Mr. Le Hoai Trung, Member of the Party Central Committee and Minister of Foreign Affairs of the Socialist Republic of Vietnam. The meeting took place during Mr. Le Hoai Trung's visit to the Lao PDR as a Special Envoy of Mr. To Lam, General Secretary of the Central Committee of the Communist Party of Vietnam, with the purpose of conveying congratulations on the successful conclusion of the 12th National Congress of the Lao People's Revolutionary Party (LPRP). According to Lao News Agency, Mr. Le Hoai Trung extended warm congratulations to the Lao Party, State, and people for the success of the 12th National Congress of the LPRP, held from January 6 to 8, 2026. He expressed high regard for Laos's achievements in national protection and development and congratulated Mr. Thongsavanh Phomvihane on his election as a member of the 12th-term Party Central Committee. Mr. Thongsavanh Phomvihane thank ed the Vietnamese side for their congratulations and acknowledged the significant support from the international community, particularly the assistance from Vietnam, in Laos's national protection and development efforts. He also congratulated Vietnam on its achievements over the past 80 years and expressed optimism about Vietnam's future under the leadership of the Communist Party, especially with the upcoming 14th National Congress of the Communist Party of Vietnam. During their talks, both Foreign Ministers emphasized their commitment to strengthening the friendship, solidarity, cooperation, and strategic partnership between Laos and Vietnam. They highlighted the importance of implementing the agreements reached by the two Politburos and the outcomes of the 48th Meeting of the Laos-Vietnam Cooperation Committee, focusing on enhancing economic connectivity to benefit both nations. Furthermore, the two sides acknowledged the success of the 12th Ministerial-Level Political Consultation between their Ministri es of Foreign Affairs, held in Vietnam in December 2025. They agreed to maintain close coordination to effectively implement the Cooperation Agreement for the 2026-2030 period, aiming to provide strategic advice and prepare for future high-level visits and exchanges.