Vietnam and Laos Reaffirm Bilateral Ties at Green Growth Summit

In a significant display of regional solidarity, Vietnamese Prime Minister Phạm Minh Chính hosted his Lao counterpart, Sonexay Siphandone, in Hà Nội on April 16, 2025, during the 4th Partnership for Green Growth and the Global Goals 2030 (P4G) Summit. The meeting underscored a shared commitment to deepening bilateral relations and advancing sustainable development, while addressing pressing global challenges like climate change and economic transformation.

Strengthening a Historic Partnership

The encounter at the Vietnamese Government headquarters was marked by mutual appreciation and a forward-looking dialogue. Prime Minister Siphandone expressed gratitude for Vietnam’s hospitality and lauded the country’s leadership in organizing the P4G Summit, describing it as a pivotal platform for global green transformation. He highlighted the summit’s theme—Global Partnership for Inclusive, Sustainable, Innovative and People-Centered Green Transformation—as a call to action for nations facing urgent climate and development issues.

In response, Prime Minister Chính extended New Year greetings aligning with Laos’ Bun Pi May festival, a culturally significant occasion, and praised Laos’ active participation in the summit’s high-level discussions. He emphasized that Laos’ involvement signaled strong support for one of Vietnam’s landmark multilateral events of 2025. Vietnam, as one of P4G’s seven founding members, voiced optimism that contributions from Laos and other delegations would bolster international efforts in climate mitigation, digital innovation, and sustainable growth.

Beyond the summit’s framework, the leaders exchanged congratulations on each nation’s recent achievements. Chính commended Laos for its progress in political stability, economic growth, and cultural preservation, attributing these successes to the effective governance of the Lao People’s Revolutionary Party. He expressed confidence that Laos would continue to elevate its standing in regional and global arenas. Siphandone, in turn, acknowledged Vietnam’s socio-economic milestones as an inspiration for Laos’ own development trajectory, while also thanking Vietnam for organizing national mourning in honor of former Lao President Khamtay Siphandone, a gesture that reinforced the deep emotional bonds between the two countries.

Bilateral Cooperation: A Roadmap for Progress

The discussions delved into concrete steps to enhance Vietnam-Laos relations across multiple domains. Both leaders recognized steady advancements in politics, defense, trade, and education, pledging to accelerate the implementation of high-level agreements. These include commitments from recent Politburo-level talks and the 47th meeting of the Vietnam-Laos Intergovernmental Committee, which serve as blueprints for collaboration.

A key economic target emerged as a focal point: raising two-way trade to US$5 billion. This ambitious goal reflects the growing interdependence between the two economies, with trade serving as a pillar of their partnership. To support this, the leaders agreed to expedite major Vietnamese investment projects in Laos, focusing on infrastructure development and tourism connectivity. These initiatives aim to not only boost economic ties but also facilitate greater movement of people and goods across borders.

Cultural, scientific, and people-to-people exchanges were also prioritized, with both sides keen to preserve and celebrate their shared history and values. Defense and security cooperation, a cornerstone of their strategic trust, was reaffirmed as essential for maintaining stability along their shared border and within the broader region. Such collaboration is particularly critical given the complex geopolitical dynamics of Southeast Asia, where peace remains a collective priority.

Regional and Global Coordination

On the international stage, the two prime ministers emphasized the importance of peace and stability in Southeast Asia, a region often navigating intricate challenges ranging from territorial disputes to economic disparities. They committed to continued coordination within multilateral frameworks such as the Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN), the United Nations, and Mekong subregional mechanisms. A particular focus was placed on fostering trilateral cooperation among Vietnam, Laos, and Cambodia, a trio with intertwined histories and shared interests in sustainable development along the Mekong River basin.

Prime Minister Siphandone also commended Vietnam’s proactive diplomacy, specifically citing its swift engagement with the United States on recent trade tariff issues. This acknowledgment highlights Vietnam’s growing role as a mediator and influencer in regional economic affairs, balancing national interests with broader international responsibilities.

Green Growth as a Shared Vision

The P4G Summit provided a fitting backdrop for the leaders to align their visions on environmental sustainability. Vietnam, with its proactive stance on green growth, sees the summit as a catalyst for national and regional initiatives. Prime Minister Chính reiterated that the event would remain a vital platform for advancing policies on climate change mitigation and digital transformation—areas where Vietnam has made notable strides in recent years.

For Laos, participation in such forums offers an opportunity to learn from partners like Vietnam while contributing its own perspectives on sustainable development. The landlocked nation, heavily reliant on hydropower and natural resources, faces unique environmental challenges, including deforestation and the impacts of climate change on rural communities. Collaborative efforts with Vietnam, particularly in innovation and technology transfer, could provide Laos with tools to address these issues while pursuing economic growth.

The dialogue between the two leaders also touched on the broader implications of green transformation. Beyond national policies, they recognized the need for a collective regional approach to tackle climate challenges, especially in the Mekong Delta, where rising sea levels and changing weather patterns threaten millions of livelihoods. Their commitment to joint action at forums like ASEAN underscores a shared understanding that environmental issues transcend borders, requiring coordinated responses.

Historical Ties and Emotional Resonance

The Vietnam-Laos relationship is rooted in a history of mutual support, dating back to their shared struggles for independence and socialist development. This bond was evident in Siphandone’s gratitude for Vietnam’s gesture of national mourning for former President Khamtay Siphandone, who passed away in recent years. Such acts of solidarity resonate deeply with both nations, reinforcing a partnership that extends beyond politics and economics to encompass cultural and emotional dimensions.

This historical context also informs their current collaboration. Vietnam has long been a mentor and ally to Laos, providing support during times of crisis and sharing expertise in governance and development. In return, Laos offers Vietnam a steadfast partner in regional diplomacy, often aligning on issues of mutual concern within ASEAN and other platforms. This dynamic of reciprocity was palpable during the Hà Nội meeting, as both leaders spoke not just as counterparts but as representatives of intertwined destinies.

Challenges and Opportunities Ahead

While the meeting painted an optimistic picture of Vietnam-Laos relations, challenges remain. Economic disparities between the two nations could complicate efforts to achieve the US$5 billion trade target, particularly if infrastructure projects face delays or funding shortfalls. Additionally, geopolitical tensions in Southeast Asia, including external influences from major powers, may test their ability to maintain strategic autonomy while deepening ties.

Environmental cooperation, though promising, also faces hurdles. Both countries must balance economic imperatives with sustainability goals, a task made difficult by limited resources and competing domestic priorities. For instance, Laos’ reliance on hydropower projects along the Mekong has sparked concerns about downstream impacts in Vietnam, where agriculture in the Mekong Delta is highly vulnerable. Navigating these tensions will require sustained dialogue and compromise, areas where their historic trust could prove invaluable.

On the opportunity front, the digital transformation agenda discussed at the P4G Summit offers a pathway for both nations to modernize their economies. Vietnam’s advancements in technology and innovation could serve as a model for Laos, while joint ventures in tourism and connectivity could unlock new revenue streams. If harnessed effectively, these opportunities could position Vietnam and Laos as leaders in ASEAN’s push for inclusive growth.

As the outcomes of the P4G Summit and this bilateral meeting unfold, the Vietnam-Laos partnership stands as a testament to the power of regional solidarity. With shared goals of peace, prosperity, and sustainability, both nations are poised to navigate future challenges together, setting an example for others in Southeast Asia and beyond.