Deputy PM hails success of State President’s recent Laos visit
The visit offered a chance to reflect on the rich history of the Vietnam-Laos combat alliance and special solidarity founded by President Ho Chi Minh, Presidents Kaysone Phomvihane and Suphanouvong and nurtured by generations of leaders and people from both nations, he said.
Stae President Luong Cuong (left) and General Secretary of the Lao People's Revolutionary Party (LPRP) Central Committee and President Thongloun Sisoulith in Vientiane on April 24. (Photo: VNA)
Hanoi (VNA) – Deputy Prime Minister and Foreign Minister Bui Thanh Son has hai🐻led President Luong Cuong’s state visit to Laos from April 24–25 as a success, marked by 15 activities that reinforced the deep ties between the two naꦆtions.
Talking with the press, Son noted that the visit’s timing held special significance, coinciding with Laos’ recent Bunpimay New Year (April 13–16) and Vietnam’s preparations for the 50th anniversary of the liberation of the South and national reunification (April 30), a milestone that also paved the way for Laos’ victory in 1975.
Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Foreign Affairs Bui Thanh Son (Photo: VNA)
The visit offered a chance to reflect on the rich history of the Vietnam-Laos combat alliance and special solidarity founded by President Ho Chi Minh, Presidents Kaysone Phomvihane and Suphanouvong and nurtured by generations of leaders and people from both nations, he said, adding that this enduring bond, rooted in unity, loyalty, and heartfelt commitment, continues to inspire younger generations to carry forward this cherished relationship.
Son outlined the visit’s key outcomes, with both nations pledging to deepen political ties, particularly through closer collaboration in national defence - security, and addressing shared development challenges.
They committed to elevating economic ties to match their special relationship by refining legal frameworks and establishing synchronous cooperation mechanisms. A flagship initiative is the Vung Ang Port project, which will support Laos’ strategic goal of sea access, strengthen regional connectivity, and create new development opportunities for both countries.
Education and training cooperation will also be intensified, focusing on quality and efficiency to meet the evolving needs of both nations.
Vietnamese State President Luong Cuong (left), and General Secretary of the Lao People's Revolutionary Party (LPRP) Central Committee and President of Laos Thongloun Sisoulith attend the Vietnam-Laos friendship exchange programme (Photo: VNA)
On the occasion, President Cuong announced a 3 million USD donation from the Vietnamese Government and people to construct a district-level hospital in Vientiane province, contributing to Laos’ social welfare.
Both sides reaffirmed their commitment to close collaboration at international and regional forums, including ASEAN, the United Nations, and Mekong cooperation frameworks. They also stressed the importance of realising outcomes from the recent trilateral meeting of Vietnamese, Lao and Cambodian Party leaders to boost economic ties among the three nations.
Meeting with the Vietnamese community and businesses in Laos, Cuong commended the active role of Vietnamese associations in advocating for the interests of Vietnamese residents living there.
Son underscored the enduring value of the Vietnam-Laos special relationship and conveyed a strong message about the shared commitment to advancing bilateral ties into a more substantive, practical, and effective phase. This contributes to building a united and self-reliant ASEAN Community for the sake of peace, stability, cooperation and development in the region and the world./.
Vietnam always appreciates the valuable contributions of the former Lao leaders to the special Vietnam-Laos relationship and hopes that with their prestige and extensive experience, they will continue to support and contribute ideas to further strengthening and deepening the cooperative relationship between the two Parties and countries.
Vietnam and Laos are neighboring countries, connected by shared mountains and rivers, with a long-standing bond of solidarity between their peoples. For more than 60 years, the Party, State, and people of both nations have preserved and promoted their great friendship, special solidarity, and enhanced comprehensive cooperation.
President Cuong emphasised that every victory in the past struggle for national liberation as well as in the current cause of building and defending the Fatherland of Vietnam has seen the valuable support, wholehearted, righteous and effective assistance of the Party, State and people of the Lao ethnic groups, and expressed the deep gratitude of the Vietnamese Party, State and people to their Lao counterparts.
The launch of Thanh Nien (Young People) newspaper in 1925, even before the founding of the Communist Party of Vietnam, is considered a testament to President Ho Chi Minh’s strategic foresight and strong belief in the guiding power of the revolutionary media.
New Zealand is currently one of Vietnam’s most important partners in the region, marked by a high level of political trust, strong and reliable defence and security cooperation, and increasingly open economic, trade, and investment ties.
Party General Secretary To Lam stressed that the Central Public Security Party Committee must be fully aware of the extremely important role of the People's Public Security force in the country's new revolutionary phase, so as to guide each branch and level of the force as the nation undergoes transformation.
Addressing concerns over university education spending, Son explained that as public universities gain greater autonomy, the Ministry of Finance has scaled back recurrent state funding. “Over the past decade, as autonomy has increased, the State's support has steadily declined”, he noted
Lao Minister of Foreign Affairs Thongsavanh Phomvihane affirmed that the presence of Vietnamese press offices in Laos vividly demonstrates the great friendship, special solidarity, and comprehensive cooperation between the two nations, as the press is not only a means of communication but also an important bridge for spreading consciousness about the history, values, and strategic depth of the Laos – Vietnam relationship to the people of both countries and the international community.
The country is willing to participate in collective efforts to promote cooperation and mobilise resources to advance the current priority issues of developing countries, such as trade, investment, infrastructure connectivity, making the most of scientific and technological advances for development, and people-to-people exchanges, Hang said.
During the negotiations, the US highly evaluated Vietnam’s goodwill and efforts, affirmed its appreciation for the bilateral relationship, acknowledged Vietnam’s proposals and concerns, and considered these an important basis for continuing discussions and moving towards a final agreement.
The Chairman stressed the need for stricter fiscal discipline, faster digital transformation, and more efficient management of State budget revenues and expenditures.
The ministry has instructed Vietnamese representative agencies in Israel, Iran, as well as those in neighbouring countries, to closely monitor the situation and request local authorities to ensure absolute safety for Vietnamese citizens living, studying, and working in high-risk areas.
Senior Vietnamese leaders on June 19 sent letters of congratulations to New Zealand leaders on the occasion of the 50th founding anniversary of Vietnam – New Zealand diplomatic relations (June 19, 1975 – 2025).
The Party chief attributed the achievements in the first half to the continuous, direct, and comprehensive leadership of the Politburo and the Secretariat of the Party Central Committee, and the close and effective coordination of relevant ministries, sectors and localities.
General Nguyen Tan Cuong, Chief of the VPA’s General Staff and Deputy Minister of National Defence reaffirmed Vietnam’s unwavering gratitude for Cuba’s invaluable support during its struggle for independence and nation-building efforts, and pledged to stand shoulder-to-shoulder with Cuba as it navigates current challenges.
Vietnam is a country with which Russia shares a special relationship. In the 1950s and 60s, particularly during Vietnam’s struggle for independence, the two countries forged a deep bond. While much has changed over time, the friendship and cooperation between our nations have endured, said Russian President Vladimir Putin.
For 50 years, Vietnam and New Zealand have worked together to uphold peace and prosperity for their peoples and the region. The friendship, cooperation, and mutual understanding Vietnam and New Zealand nurtured have grown from a seed into a deeply rooted, strong, and thriving tree, she stressed.
Since the Strategic Partnership was established in 2020, Vietnam and New Zealand have witnessed steady growth in the relations. Beyond the remarkable 40% increase in bilateral trade over five years, political relations and multilateral interactions, particularly within the CPTPP framework, have remained highly positive.
Known as the “four pillars for Vietnam’s ascend”, the Pobiburo's Resolutions 57, 59, 66, and 68 focus on cultivating a robust national entrepreneurial spirit, unlocking resources for innovation across society, and accelerating the development of digital economy, knowledge-based economy, green economy, and circular economy, propelling Vietnam forward rapidly and firmly on the path of modernisation and international integration.
Minister of Finance Nguyen Van Thang cleared up deputies' concern regarding how to spur socio-economic growth, renew traditional growth motives and establish new momentum for development.
Vietnam proposed several priorities: narrowing the digital divide, strengthening women’s leadership in the digital economy and AI governance, and mobilising sustainable financing for gender equality initiatives in line with each country’s national priorities and context. Vietnam also advocated for genuine women’s participation and leadership across all areas of public life.
