Prime Minister of Vietnam, Pham Minh Chinh (right), welcomes Secretary General of the Lao People’s Revolutionary Party and President of Laos, Thongloun Sisoulith (left), ahead of high-level talks in Hanoi on Monday.

Laos, Vietnam leaders reaffirm deep cooperation at high-level talks 

Secretary General of the Lao People’s Revolutionary Party and President of Laos, Thongloun Sisoulith, met with the Prime Minister of Vietnam, Pham Minh Chinh, and Politburo member and Chairman of Vietnam’s National Assembly, Tran Thanh Man, on Monday to reaffirm the long-standing friendship and strategic partnership between Laos and Vietnam.
The leaders discussed ways to deepen political trust, expand economic and legislative ties, and enhance coordination in national development, underscoring the significance of the visit as the first foreign trip by the Lao leader following the 12th National Party Congress earlier this month.
During their meeting at the Government Office of Vietnam, Mr Thongloun and Mr Pham Minh Chinh reviewed recent achievements and discussed areas of future cooperation.
They expressed deep appreciation for the progress made in political relations, emphasising that mutual trust remains the foundation of the Laos-Vietnam partnership.

Secretary General of the Lao People’s Revolutionary Party and President of Laos, Thongloun Sisoulith (left), is greeted by Politburo member and Chairman of Vietnam’s National Assembly, Tran Thanh Man.

They highlighted solid cooperation in foreign affairs, national defence and security, and noted positive developments in trade, with strategic projects being implemented effectively.
The leaders agreed to strengthen collaboration in politics, national defence and security, trade and investment, economic integration, and cultural, social, and educational initiatives.
They also pledged to ensure that the relevant government bodies follow up on the decisions made at the 2026 Politburo meeting and the 48th meeting of the Laos-Vietnam Bilateral Cooperation Committee.
The Vietnamese premier, Pham Minh Chinh, warmly welcomed the Secretary General of the Lao People’s Revolutionary Party and President of Laos, Thongloun Sisoulith, and congratulated him on his re-election as Secretary General of the LPRP Central Committee.
Mr Thongloun expressed gratitude for the warm reception and thanked the Party, state and people of Vietnam for their unwavering support for Laos, starting from the struggle for national liberation to the current phase of development.
Earlier on Monday, Mr Thongloun met with Politburo member and Chairman of Vietnam’s National Assembly of Vietnam, Tran Thanh Man, at the National Assembly House.
The two leaders congratulated each other on the socio-economic achievements of their respective countries and the success of the 12th National Congress of the LPRP and the 14th National Congress of the Communist Party of Vietnam.
They reaffirmed that, despite complex regional and global challenges, the great friendship, special solidarity, and comprehensive cooperation between Laos and Vietnam will continue to deepen in the spheres of politics, national defence, security, and economic development.
Both leaders praised the strengthening ties between the two National Assemblies, highlighting regular delegation exchanges, thematic seminars, and joint participation in regional and international parliamentary forums.
They also welcomed the publication of the book “50 Years of Relations between the National Assembly of Laos and the National Assembly of Vietnam: Comprehensive Cooperation and Development”.
Looking ahead, they agreed to strengthen cooperation between their legislative bodies by effectively implementing memorandums of understanding, ensuring compliance with bilateral treaties and agreements, enhancing trade and investment in line with political relations, and sharing experiences regarding the upcoming National Assembly and Provincial People’s Councils elections.
Mr Tran Thanh Man congratulated Mr Thongloun on his re-election as Secretary General, noting that his choice of Vietnam for his first foreign visit during his new term of office served to further strengthen bilateral relations.
Mr Thongloun thanked the Vietnamese leaders for their hospitality and congratulated Mr Tran Thanh Man on his re-election to the 14th Central Committee of the Communist Party of Vietnam.
He also updated the Vietnamese side on Laos’ preparations for the election of members of the 10th National Assembly and 5th Provincial People’s Councils, scheduled for February 22, followed by the inaugural session of the 10th National Assembly from March 23-28.
Mr Thongloun concluded by expressing deep appreciation to the National Assembly of Vietnam for its continued support, which he said had significantly bolstered the capacity and effectiveness of Laos’ National Assembly as the main body representing citizens’ rights and interests.

By Times Reporters
(Latest Update January 28, 2026)