Vientiane and Ho Chi Minh City Forge Ahead with New 5-Year Cooperation Agreement

Vientiane: The deal was finalized May 15 during a meeting between high-level delegations from Vientiane and Ho Chi Minh City. Leading the Lao side was Mr. Adsaphangthong Siphandone, President of the Vientiane People's Council, while Mr. Vo Van Minh, President of the Ho Chi Minh City People's Council, headed the Vietnamese delegation. According to Lao News Agency, both sides reviewed their 2021-2025 cooperation pact, calling it a success. They then signed the new memorandum of understanding to guide joint efforts over the next five years. Key priorities include celebrating the 65th anniversary of Laos-Vietnam diplomatic relations and the 50th anniversary of their Treaty of Amity and Cooperation, both in 2027. "We must turn these agreements into real action," said Adsaphangthong. "This will further strengthen the special solidarity and strategic partnership between our two nations." Mr. Vo Van Minh agreed, adding that "with strong political will, the cooperation between our two cities will keep delivering pr actical, sustainable results and serve as a model for local-level partnership." The MOU was signed by Mr. Phokham Xayyasone, Vice President of the Vientiane People's Council, and Mr. Nguyen Loc Ha, Standing Vice Chairman of the Ho Chi Minh City People's Committee, with both top officials serving as witnesses.