In a significant step toward deepening the historic friendship between Vietnam and Laos, Vietnamese President Luong Cuong embarked on a two-day state visit to Vientiane, meeting with General Secretary of the Lao People’s Revolutionary Party (LPRP) and President of Laos Thongloun Sisoulith on April 25, 2025. The visit, marking President Cuong’s first trip to Laos in his new role, underscored the enduring solidarity and comprehensive cooperation between the two neighboring nations, with both leaders reaffirming their commitment to advancing political, economic, and cultural ties.
Political Trust and Shared History
The talks between Presidents Cuong and Sisoulith in Vientiane highlighted the deep-rooted bonds forged through decades of mutual support during struggles for national liberation and ongoing efforts in nation-building. President Sisoulith warmly welcomed his Vietnamese counterpart, emphasizing the symbolic importance of the visit as a testament to Vietnam’s dedication to the “great friendship and special solidarity” between the two countries. He described the engagement as a milestone that would further substantiate bilateral relations, aiding both nations in their pursuits of 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, alongside wishes for the traditional Lao Bunpimay New Year of 2025. He reiterated Vietnam’s unwavering appreciation for the sincere support provided by Laos during Vietnam’s revolutionary past, a bond he pledged to preserve for future generations. Both leaders spent considerable time reflecting on their shared history, acknowledging the invaluable legacy left by previous generations and the responsibility to nurture it.
The discussions also touched on preparations for significant political events in 2025, with both nations gearing up for their respective Party Congresses—the 12th for Laos and the 14th for Vietnam. This alignment of political timelines offers a unique opportunity to synchronize strategies and share experiences in organizational streamlining and policy formulation. The leaders agreed to intensify theoretical exchanges between their Parties and enhance education on the special Vietnam-Laos relationship, particularly among younger generations, to ensure the continuity of this unique partnership.
Economic Cooperation and Infrastructure Development
Beyond political rhetoric, the visit yielded tangible outcomes in economic collaboration, with both sides committing to elevate bilateral trade to US$5 billion in the coming years. Presidents Cuong and Sisoulith discussed the need for breakthrough initiatives to harness each country’s strengths in areas such as infrastructure, finance, and tourism connectivity. They expressed satisfaction over the progress of major joint projects, notably the Wharf No. 3 Project at Vung Ang Port, which represents a pivotal advancement in their economic partnership.
President Cuong praised Laos’s strides in maintaining stability and revitalizing its economy, while reaffirming Vietnam’s support for Laos’s push toward international integration and self-reliant growth. In response, President Sisoulith highlighted Vietnam’s comprehensive achievements as an inspiration for Laos, expressing confidence that Vietnam’s companionship would bolster Laos’s development trajectory. The leaders also agreed to share expertise in macroeconomic management, a critical area as both nations navigate global economic challenges.
One of the visit’s highlights was Vietnam’s announcement of a US$3 million district-level hospital project in Vientiane Province as a gift to the Lao people. President Cuong proposed swift coordination to complete the project by 2026, aligning with the 12th National Congress of the Lao People’s Revolutionary Party. This gesture not only symbolizes goodwill but also addresses practical needs in Laos’s healthcare infrastructure, reinforcing Vietnam’s role as a committed partner.
Defense and Regional Collaboration
Defense cooperation emerged as another key focus, with the leaders witnessing the signing of a Letter of Intent between the Ministries of National Defence of Vietnam and Laos. This agreement pertains to Vietnam’s support for constructing the headquarters of the Border Guard Command of the Lao People’s Army, a move that strengthens military ties and border security coordination. Additional cooperation documents signed during the visit included a 2025 Cooperation Programme between the Ministries of Justice and a Memorandum of Understanding between Vietnam’s Gia Lai Province and Laos’s Attapeu Province for 2025-2030, alongside an adjusted investment license for the Xekaman 3 hydropower project in Sekong Province.
On the regional and multilateral stage, both leaders pledged to enhance coordination within ASEAN and its mechanisms, emphasizing the bloc’s central role in fostering peace and development. They committed to working closely with each other and relevant stakeholders to sustainably manage the Mekong River’s water resources, a critical issue for the region’s environmental and economic stability. Furthermore, they agreed to implement outcomes from the third meeting of the top leaders of Vietnam, Laos, and Cambodia, held earlier in 2025, to nurture the traditional friendship among the three nations.
Cultural and People-to-People Exchanges
The visit was not solely about political and economic agendas; it also celebrated the rich cultural ties between the two nations. Following their talks, Presidents Cuong and Sisoulith participated in a traditional Lao thread-tying ceremony marking the Bunpimay New Year. This ritual, emblematic of hospitality and goodwill in Lao culture, saw threads tied around wrists accompanied by blessings for peace and fortune. President Sisoulith noted that the visit conveyed a powerful message of solidarity at the start of the new year, while President Cuong expressed appreciation for the warm gesture, reaffirming his dedication to fostering the special bond.
Both leaders emphasized the importance of cultural and educational cooperation, agreeing to prioritize support for Laos in enhancing human resource quality to meet modern development demands. Plans to promote science and technology, mutual cultural initiatives, and information sharing through media outlets were also discussed. Additionally, cooperation between border provinces will be intensified, fostering grassroots connections that complement high-level engagements.
Looking Ahead: A Partnership for the Future
The state visit of President Luong Cuong to Laos encapsulates more than a diplomatic formality; it reflects a shared vision for a future where Vietnam and Laos continue to stand as steadfast allies. With agreements spanning defense, economy, and culture, the outcomes of this engagement lay a robust foundation for sustained collaboration. As both nations approach pivotal political milestones in 2025, the reinforced trust and mutual support signal a promising trajectory for their bilateral relationship.
Yet, questions linger about the practical implementation of these ambitious plans. Can the target of US$5 billion in trade be achieved amidst global economic uncertainties? How will joint projects like the Vung Ang Port Wharf No. 3 shape regional connectivity? As Vietnam and Laos navigate these challenges together, their historic friendship remains a cornerstone of stability in an ever-evolving Southeast Asian landscape, offering a model of cooperation rooted in shared history and mutual respect.
