Giving Fresh Momentum to Vietnam-Laos Cooperation

Lao officials see off President Vo Van Thuong at Wattay International Airport in Vientiane. (Photo: Thong Nhat/VNA)

On April 11, State President Vo Van Thuong concluded his official visit to Laos. During his stay, he had the opportunity to strengthen diplomatic ties and discuss important matters with the Prime Minister of Laos, Thongloun Sisoulith. With the aim of furthering collaboration between the two countries, the State President held talks on trade, security, and tourism. He also presented several gifts to the people of Laos, which highlighted the strong bond between the two nations. Moreover, the State President highlighted the need for more cooperation to ensure the mutual development of both countries. All in all, the visit was a success in furthering the close friendship between the two nations.

Although the visit was only 30 hours long, President Vo Van Thuong had an incredibly productive trip to Vientiane, completing 18 activities and achieving numerous specific results. This has led to a new and significant boost in the Vietnam-Laos relationship in all areas.

The visit is instrumental in helping to effectively implement the high-level agreements of both parties and nations, particularly the Vietnam-Laos Strategic Cooperation Agreement for the period of 2021-2030 and the bilateral cooperation agreement from 2021-2025.

President Vo Van Thuong has selected Laos as the initial country to visit in his new role. This important decision reflects the strong ties that exist between the two nations and the commitment of both governments to further strengthening these bonds.

During the high-level talks, Party General Secretary and President of Laos, Thongloun Sisoulith, expressed his admiration for the respect that the Party, State of Vietnam, and President Vo Van Thuong have for the great friendship, special solidarity, and cooperation between Vietnam and Laos.

General Secretary and President Thongloun Sisoulith thanked President Vo Van Thuong for bringing to Laos the close friendship and solidarity of the Party, State, and people of Vietnam on the occasion of the whole country joyfully preparing to welcome the Buddhist New Year 2566. He expressed his sincere appreciation for the valuable contributions made by the Vietnamese leader in strengthening the special ties of friendship and solidarity between the two countries.

During the meeting, President Vo Van Thuong announced a generous gift worth US$1 million from the Party, State, and people of Vietnam to the Lao Party, State, and people. This gift is a sign of the strong bond between the two countries and the appreciation of the Vietnamese people towards their Lao counterparts. With this gesture, Vietnam hopes to foster closer ties and cooperation between the two nations.

State President Vo Van Thuong holds talks with General Secretary and President of Laos Thongloun Sisoulith. (Photo: Thong Nhat/VNA)

After the talks, the leaders of the two countries witnessed the signing and exchange of two cooperation documents.

Memorandum of Understanding on Cooperation in Technology and Innovation between the Ministry of Science and Technology of Vietnam and the Ministry of Technology and Communication of Laos

The Ministry of Science and Technology of Vietnam (MOST) and the Ministry of Technology and Communication of Laos (MTCL) (hereinafter referred to as the “Parties”) desiring to strengthen and develop the friendly relations and mutual cooperation between the two countries in the field of science, technology and innovation and being determined to establish a closer bond of cooperation in this field, have agreed as follows:

Article 1 – Objectives

The Parties agree to cooperate in the field of science, technology and innovation, in particular through the exchange of information, knowledge and practices, the sharing of resources, the development of joint activities, and the mutual recognition of results and achievements.

Article 2 – Areas of Cooperation

The Parties agree to cooperate in the following areas:

(a) Research and development in the fields of science, technology and innovation;

(b) Exchange of information and knowledge in the fields of science, technology and innovation;

(c) Exchange of experts and professionals in the fields of science, technology and innovation;

(d) Promotion of joint activities in the fields of science, technology and innovation;

(e) Exchange of best practices in the fields of science, technology and innovation;

(f) Promotion of mutual recognition of results and achievements in the fields of science, technology and innovation.

Memorandum of Understanding on Cooperation in Science between the Ministry of Science and Technology of Vietnam and the Ministry of Education and Sports of Laos

The Ministry of Science and Technology of Vietnam (MOST) and the Ministry of Education and Sports of Laos (MESL) (hereinafter referred to as the “Parties”) desiring to strengthen and develop the friendly relations and mutual cooperation between the two countries in the field of science and being determined to establish a closer bond of cooperation in this field, have agreed as follows:

Article 1 – Objectives

The Parties agree to cooperate in the field of science, in particular through the exchange of information, knowledge and practices, the sharing of resources, the development of joint activities, and the mutual recognition of results and achievements.

Article 2 – Areas of Cooperation

The Parties agree to cooperate in the following areas:

(a) Research and development in the field of science;

(b) Exchange of information and knowledge in the field of science;

(c) Exchange of experts and professionals in the field of science;

(d) Promotion of joint activities in the field of science;

(e) Exchange of best practices in the field of science;

(f) Promotion of mutual recognition of results and achievements in the field of science.

Foreign Minister Bui Thanh Son has stated that this is a multifaceted and special visit.

The State President Vo Van Thuong visited Laos for the first time shortly after taking office, highlighting our steadfast commitment to promoting the strong friendship, special solidarity, and comprehensive cooperation between Vietnam and Laos. This visit serves as a testament to the strong relationship between the two countries.

President Vo Van Thuong held meetings with the Prime Minister, Chairman of the National Assembly, and President of the Lao Front for National Construction Central Committee of Laos.

At the meetings, the two sides agreed to focus on effectively implementing high-level agreements between the two countries, between central and local ministries and agencies; to strengthen consultations on strategic issues; to promote the exchange of visits and contacts at all levels; and to review and improve the effectiveness of existing cooperation mechanisms.

The two sides agreed to strengthen their security-defense cooperation in order to address new challenges; they also pledged to collaborate and support one another to ensure political stability, security, social order, and safety in both countries.

The two nations’ senior leaders reaffirmed their commitment to consolidate and strengthen the invaluable friendship, special solidarity, and comprehensive cooperation between Vietnam and Laos. They consider this asset an essential element to the revolutionary cause of each country.

In the atmosphere of comradeship and solidarity between Vietnam and Laos, President Vo Van Thuong attended the special ceremony of tying wrists and praying for good luck to mark the Laos New Year. This traditional ritual is an important symbol of the strong bond between the two nations and their longstanding friendship. Through this gesture of respect and reverence, the Lao State and people have shown their appreciation for the President’s official visit.

Speaking at the official reception of the General Secretary and President of Laos, President Vo Van Thuong said that the special relationship between Vietnam and Laos is a relationship that is “truly one of a kind in the world”. He further noted that the two countries are bound together by a shared history, and that the friendship and solidarity between them had been tested and proven during times of difficulty and prosperity. He also expressed his confidence that the two countries would continue to work together to build a brighter future.

“Our two countries have an unrivalled, unwavering, and incomparable relationship in the world, which is supported by the great President Ho Chi Minh, President Kaysone Phomvihane and President Souphanouvon,” President Vo Van Thuong declared.

Generations of leaders and people from both countries have worked tirelessly and made immense sacrifices – from cadres, party members, and soldiers to the general public – to cultivate lasting peace between them.

General Secretary and President of Laos Thongloun Sisoulith has affirmed his commitment to reinforcing the traditional friendship, solidarity, and comprehensive cooperation between Vietnam and Laos. He expressed his determination to do all he can to promote this special relationship.

We would like to reaffirm our commitment to working alongside our Vietnamese comrades to preserve and promote the strong tradition of friendship, solidarity, and cooperation between Laos and Vietnam. We will continue to cherish, protect, strengthen, and nurture this bond, ensuring that it is passed down to future generations of both countries so that they may safeguard it.

According to Foreign Minister Bui Thanh Son, the visit has achieved substantial and comprehensive results. The two sides reaffirmed their commitment to continually strengthen and deepen the special relationship between Vietnam and Laos, as well as the utmost trust between the two countries’ senior leaders in particular.

President Vo Van Thuong and General Secretary and President of Laos Thongloun Sisoulith tie thread on the wrist on the occasion of Lao New Year festival Bunpimay. (Photo: Thong Nhat/VNA)

The two sides agreed to intensify the education of the peoples of Vietnam and Laos, particularly the younger generations, regarding the tradition of special ties between the two countries. This encourages them to continually nurture and preserve the unique and loyal relationship between the two Parties and countries.

During his visit to Vientiane, President Vo Van Thuong held discussions with representatives of the Vietnamese community and businesses operating in Laos. He showed his appreciation for their contributions to the development of the country and thanked them for their support. The President also highlighted the need to strengthen economic ties between the two countries, in order to boost mutual prosperity. He called on the Vietnamese businesses to continue promoting their products and services in the Lao market, and to cooperate closely with their Lao counterparts in order to build a prosperous and harmonious future for both countries.

The President of Laos encouraged the community to persevere through hardships, uphold the spirit of solidarity, and make concerted efforts to contribute to the post-pandemic socio-economic recovery and development in the nation. Furthermore, he also worked to strengthen the friendship and solidarity between the people of Laos and other countries.

State President Vo Van Thuong wrapped up his official visit to Laos. Photo: VNA

President Vo Van Thuong laid a wreath at a monument dedicated to Laos’ unknown martyrs in Vientiane, paying homage to their immense sacrifices. He also visited the Monument to President Kaysone Phomvihane to express his gratitude for the great contributions of generations of Lao leaders, officers, soldiers, and people to the special relationship between Vietnam and Laos.

In light of the ever-changing global and regional landscape, President Vo Van Thuong’s visit to Laos serves as a testament to Vietnam’s unwavering commitment to aiding the nation’s recovery, socio-economic development, and international integration. By extending a hand of support during these tumultuous times, Vietnam hopes to empower Laos to emerge from the current difficulties and challenges with greater strength.

The visit has resulted in a new drive for collaboration between the two countries in 2023 across all major areas, such as politics, diplomacy, security, defense, economy, education and training, science, technology, culture, sports, and tourism.

The successful visit contributes to consistently strengthening and enhancing the strong friendship, special solidarity and all-round cooperation between Vietnam and Laos.