Vietnam, Laos move to operationalise “strategic cohesion” in bilateral ties: diplomat

VIENTIANE (VNA/VNS/ANN) -- The upcoming official visit to Laos by Politburo member and Permanent member of the Party Central Committee’s Secretariat Tran Cam Tu is expected to inject fresh momentum into Vietnam–Laos ties as both sides move to operationalise the “strategic cohesion” in their relations into concrete cooperation programmes, Vietnamese Ambassador to Laos Nguyen Minh Tam has stated.
The visit on April 9 will be made at the invitation of a member of the Political Bureau of the Lao People’s Revolutionary Party Central Committee and Standing Member of its Secretariat, Mr Vilay Lakhamfong.
In a recent interview granted to the Vietnam News Agency, Ambassador Tam said that high-level mutual visits shortly following leadership transitions have become a hallmark of Vietnam–Laos relations, reflecting a rare and enduring bond forged through shared history, ideals and long-standing solidarity.

Vietnamese Ambassador to Laos Nguyen Minh Tam.

According to the diplomat, the trip comes at a pivotal time, following historic events like the national congress of each Party, the general elections in the two countries, and the state visits by the countries’ Party General Secretaries, which opened a new phase of development with important strategic goals and orientations. As the first visit to Laos by a key Vietnamese leader after the 14th National Party Congress and the new leadership election in each country, it demonstrates the profound political significance, continuity, and unceasing development of the special bilateral solidarity.
The visit hightlights the special political trust between the two Parties, States and peoples, as well as the Vietnamese Party and State’s consistent policy of giving the top strategic priority to relations with Laos. Amid rapidly evolving and complex global and regional developments, it reaffirms the importance and strategic significance of bilateral ties, which need to be further strengthened and nurtured to grow in a more substantive and effective manner across all fields.
Besides, he noted, the visit is expected to deepen Party-to-Party cooperation, particularly in Party building and rectification, political system development, defence and security, and international integration. Increased theory exchanges will not only improve leadership capacity but also help consolidate the ideological foundation and strengthen strategic adaptability in the face of external changes.
The visit will also provide an opportunity to review the implementation of high-level agreements, joint statements and bilateral cooperation frameworks; and to share information and exchange experience in effectively implementing the major orientations set by the Party congress of each nation.
Through talks and meetings, the two sides will discuss and agree on directions for advancing comprehensive cooperation and further deepening the substance of “strategic cohesion” in Vietnam – Laos relations, Tam said.
Ambassador Tam stressed that a central task at present is to translate the “strategic cohesion” into concrete programmes with clear priorities, roadmaps and implementation mechanisms, thereby creating new breakthroughs and delivering tangible progress in bilateral cooperation. Particular emphasis will be placed on boosting economic, trade and investment partnerships, especially through stronger connectivity in institutional frameworks, transport infrastructure and energy, he said.
The diplomat added that the two sides are also expected to share experience in macroeconomic stability maintenance, socio-economic development and building of more self-reliant yet globally integrated economies, towards generating tangible improvements and gradually elevating economic cooperation on par with the special political relationship between the two countries.
The timing of the visit, just ahead of Laos’ traditional New Year festival Pi Mai Lao, also highlights the close-knit and fraternal ties between the two countries, further strengthening mutual understanding and solidarity between the countries’ Party and State leaders, the ambassador noted.
The trip also offers a chance to further promote cooperation in culture and education, as well as people-to-people exchanges, he went on, adding that priority should be given to educating young people about the historical values and strategic significance of Vietnam – Laos relations, considersing this as a key factor in ensuring the continuity and sustainable development of the special relationship in the future.
Looking ahead, Tam pointed to the importance of the upgraded bilateral ties, agreed during the December 2025 visit to Laos by Party General Secretary To Lam, when the two sides added “strategic cohesion ” to their long-standing relationship defined by “great friendship, special solidarity and comprehensive cooperation”.
This new dimension, he said, provides a strong impetus for developing bilateral relations in a more substantive and sustainable manner, reflecting a shared vision, intertwined strategic interests, and an orientation of long-term partnership toward sustainable development, self-reliance, and shared prosperity for both nations.

(Latest Update April 9, 2026)