In a significant display of enduring friendship, Vietnamese President Luong Cuong embarked on a two-day state visit to Laos, meeting with General Secretary and President Thongloun Sisoulith in Vientiane on April 25, 2025. The visit, marking Cuong’s first trip to Laos in his new role, underscored the deep-rooted solidarity between the two nations, with both leaders pledging to advance political trust, economic cooperation, and regional collaboration ahead of pivotal national congresses in 2025.
A Milestone in Bilateral Relations
The talks between Presidents Cuong and Sisoulith highlighted the importance Vietnam and Laos place on their “great friendship” and “special solidarity,” terms frequently used to describe a relationship forged through shared struggles for national liberation and sustained by mutual support in modern times. President Sisoulith warmly welcomed his Vietnamese counterpart, noting that the timing of the visit—at the onset of the traditional Lao Bunpimay New Year—sent a powerful message of unity. He emphasized that the engagement would contribute to deeper, more substantive ties, supporting both countries’ ambitions for national renewal and defense. 
President Cuong reciprocated the sentiment, expressing gratitude for the “fraternal reception” and conveying greetings from Vietnam’s top leadership, including Party General Secretary To Lam, to the Lao people. He reaffirmed Vietnam’s unwavering commitment to preserving the historical bonds of comradeship, recalling the invaluable assistance provided by Laos during Vietnam’s revolutionary past. “The Party, State, and people of Vietnam will always remember the sincere support offered by Laos” said Cuong, emphasizing the need to pass this legacy to future generations.
Political Trust and Strategic Cooperation
Central to the discussions was the consolidation of political trust, a cornerstone of Vietnam-Laos relations. Both leaders agreed to maintain regular high-level exchanges and enhance people-to-people connections through diverse initiatives. They committed to implementing outcomes from recent high-level meetings, including the 47th session of the Vietnam-Laos Intergovernmental Committee, and to share experiences in preparing for their respective Party Congresses—Vietnam’s 14th and Laos’s 12th, both slated for 2025.
The leaders also focused on theoretical exchanges between their ruling parties—the Communist Party of Vietnam (CPV) and the Lao People’s Revolutionary Party (LPRP)—as well as joint efforts to educate younger generations about their shared history. This emphasis on ideological alignment reflects a broader strategy to ensure the longevity of their unique partnership amid evolving regional dynamics.
Economic and Infrastructure Ambitions
Beyond politics, the visit spotlighted economic collaboration as a priority. Presidents Cuong and Sisoulith agreed to pursue “breakthrough initiatives” to leverage each nation’s strengths, targeting a bilateral trade volume of US$5 billion in the coming years. Key areas of focus include infrastructure connectivity, financial cooperation, and tourism. The unlocking of major projects, such as Wharf No. 3 at Vung Ang Port in Vietnam, was hailed as a significant step, injecting fresh momentum into economic ties.
Additionally, both sides pledged to share expertise in macroeconomic management and support Laos’s push for international integration. President Cuong reiterated Vietnam’s backing for Laos’s independent, self-reliant economic development, while Sisoulith expressed admiration for Vietnam’s high growth rates and administrative reforms, viewing them as an inspiration for Laos’s own revitalization efforts.
Education and human resource development emerged as another critical area, with Vietnam committing to assist Laos in enhancing workforce skills to meet the demands of its evolving economy. Cultural exchanges, scientific collaboration, and media partnerships to promote each country’s achievements were also prioritized, alongside strengthened cooperation between border provinces.
Defense and Regional Collaboration
A notable outcome of the visit was the signing of a Letter of Intent between Vietnam’s Ministry of National Defence and its Lao counterpart, under which Vietnam will support the construction of the headquarters for the Border Guard Command of the Lao People’s Army. This agreement, witnessed by both presidents, underscores the strategic importance of border security in their bilateral framework and reflects a shared commitment to safeguarding their common frontier.
On the regional stage, the leaders reaffirmed their dedication to ASEAN’s central role and pledged closer coordination on managing the Mekong River’s water resources sustainably. They also committed to implementing outcomes from the third meeting of the top leaders of Vietnam, Laos, and Cambodia, held earlier in 2025, to nurture traditional friendships among the three nations. This trilateral focus highlights their collective interest in fostering peace and development in the Greater Mekong Subregion.
Symbolic Gestures and Tangible Commitments
In a gesture of goodwill, President Cuong announced Vietnam’s decision to fund a district-level hospital project in Vientiane Province, valued at US$3 million, with a target completion date of 2026 to coincide with the Lao Party’s 12th National Congress. This initiative, alongside other cooperation documents signed during the visit—such as a 2025 cooperation program between the justice ministries and a memorandum of understanding between Gia Lai Province in Vietnam and Attapeu Province in Laos—illustrates the tangible outcomes of the talks.
The visit also featured cultural highlights, with both leaders participating in a traditional Lao thread-tying ceremony to mark the Bunpimay New Year. This ritual, symbolizing hospitality and good fortune, reinforced the personal and cultural bonds between the delegations. “This visit brings a strong message of solidarity to Laos at the start of the new year” said President Sisoulith, while Cuong expressed appreciation for the warm reception and reiterated his dedication to nurturing bilateral ties.
Mutual Admiration and Shared Aspirations
The exchange of compliments during the talks revealed a mutual respect for each nation’s progress. Sisoulith congratulated Vietnam on its economic growth, improved living standards, and anti-corruption efforts, viewing these as a source of encouragement for Laos. Cuong, in turn, praised Laos’s political stability and economic revitalization, assuring continued Vietnamese support for its neighbor’s development goals.
The leaders’ discussions on socio-economic updates underscored the significance of 2025 as a transformative year for both countries. With their respective Party Congresses on the horizon, Vietnam and Laos are poised to chart new paths for national development, with their bilateral relationship serving as a bedrock of stability and cooperation. Their shared history of overcoming adversity—whether during liberation struggles or in modern nation-building—remains a powerful motivator for future collaboration.
Looking Ahead to Deeper Integration
As the state visit concluded with a banquet hosted by President Sisoulith, the outcomes of this engagement signal a renewed commitment to an already robust partnership. From defense agreements to economic targets and cultural exchanges, Vietnam and Laos are laying the groundwork for a future defined by closer integration and mutual benefit.
Yet, as both nations prepare for their political milestones in 2025, questions linger about how they will balance domestic priorities with regional ambitions. The Mekong River’s sustainable management, ASEAN’s evolving role, and the trilateral dynamics with Cambodia will test the resilience of their alliance. For now, the thread tied around President Cuong’s wrist during the Bunpimay ceremony serves as a poignant reminder of the goodwill and shared aspirations binding these two neighbors together.
