VNA reported that on the morning of January 9, Prime Minister Pham Minh Chinh and a high-ranking Vietnamese delegation left Hanoi to visit the Lao People's Democratic Republic and co-chair the 47th meeting of the Vietnam-Laos Intergovernmental Committee from January 9-10, 2025 at the invitation of Lao Prime Minister Sonexay Siphandone.
The official delegation accompanying Prime Minister Pham Minh Chinh on the working trip included: Deputy Prime Minister, Minister of Foreign Affairs Bui Thanh Son; Minister of Planning and Investment, Chairman of the Vietnam-Laos Cooperation Committee Nguyen Chi Dung; Minister, Head of the Government Office Tran Van Son; Minister of Industry and Trade Nguyen Hong Dien; Minister of Education and Training Nguyen Kim Son; Minister of Health Dao Hong Lan;
Head of the National Assembly Delegation Affairs Committee Nguyen Thanh Hai; Deputy Chief of the Party Central Committee Office Lam Thi Phuong Thanh; Deputy Minister of National Defense, Senior Lieutenant General Hoang Xuan Chien; Deputy Head of the Central Organizing Committee Phan Thang An; Permanent Deputy Head of the Central Commission for External Relations Nguyen Thi Hoang Van; Vietnamese Ambassador to Laos Nguyen Minh Tam.
This is the first overseas trip of a key Vietnamese leader in 2025; taking place in the context of Vietnam-Laos relations continuing to be consolidated and having many positive developments.
Political relations are increasingly close, trustworthy and regularly exchange visits. Along with successfully organizing annual meetings between the two Politburoes and Intergovernmental Committee meetings, the two sides actively implement signed protocols and cooperation agreements.
Economic, trade and investment cooperation between Vietnam and Laos has seen positive changes. Two-way trade turnover is expected to reach 2 billion USD, an increase of about 28% compared to 2023.
Vietnam currently has 241 valid investment projects in Laos, with a total registered capital of about 5.5 billion USD, maintaining its third position after China and Thailand investing in Laos.
The two sides closely coordinated in implementing Vietnam's ODA projects for Laos. Cultural, educational and training cooperation continued to be promoted.
The two sides coordinated to complete procedures for the implementation of the Vietnam-Laos Friendship Park Project; increased mutual support at regional and international forums, especially at ASEAN, the United Nations and cooperation in Mekong sub-regional mechanisms.
In 2024, Vietnam supported and assisted Laos in successfully assuming the role of ASEAN Chair and AIPA 2024, which was highly appreciated by Laos. Laos was one of the first countries to support Vietnam's re-election to the United Nations Human Rights Council for the 2026-2028 term.
The visit affirms Vietnam's consistent policy of valuing and prioritizing the great friendship, special solidarity and comprehensive cooperation between Vietnam and Laos, aiming to continue strengthening trust and closeness between the two countries' senior leaders; promoting good cooperation between the two governments of Vietnam and Laos; and implementing foreign affairs tasks set out at the 13th National Party Congress.
