Hanoi, Vientiane move to deepen cooperation during Lao leader’s visit

THE HANOI TIMES — Hanoi and Vientiane agreed to further deepen comprehensive cooperation, with a shared focus on enhancing political trust, strengthening economic linkages and expanding people-to-people exchanges.

The shared orientations were discussed in detail on January 27, when Hanoi Party Secretary Nguyen Duy Ngoc held talks with Lao Party General Secretary and President Thongloun Sisoulith and a high-ranking Lao delegation on cooperation between Hanoi and Lao localities, with the participation of the city’s Party organization and authorities.

Addressing the meeting, Thongloun Sisoulith congratulated Vietnam on its major achievements over 80 years of national development, particularly the progress recorded after 40 years of Doi moi (Renewal) process and hailed the success of the 14th National Congress of the Communist Party of Vietnam.

He expressed confidence that, under the leadership of the Party headed by General Secretary To Lam, Vietnam would successfully implement the congress resolution and achieve its two centenary goals.

He praised the capital’s recent development achievements, noting that Hanoi’s experience is a valuable reference for Lao cities. He also shared personal reflections and memories associated with Hanoi, underscoring his close attachment to the Vietnamese capital.

Hanoi Party Secretary Nguyen Duy Ngoc congratulated Laos on the successful 12th National Congress of the Lao People’s Revolutionary Party, affirming Hanoi’s confidence that Laos would continue to achieve new progress under the leadership of Party General Secretary and President Thongloun Sisoulith and the new Party Central Committee.

Impressed by the personal memories shared by Lao Party General Secretary and President Thongloun Sisoulith about Hanoi, Ngoc said these reflections serve as a meaningful reminder for successive generations of the capital’s residents to cherish the past and continue striving to build a more beautiful and prosperous city.

“As Vietnam’s capital, Hanoi places high priority on cooperation with Laos and stands ready to act as a reliable partner, sharing practical experience to further substantiate the special Vietnam-Laos relationship,” said Ngoc.

Ngoc said the outcomes of the visit would contribute to nurturing and strengthening bilateral ties, while opening up more practical and effective cooperation between Hanoi and Lao localities, particularly between Hanoi and Vientiane.

Within the framework of the visit, the two capitals signed a cooperation agreement for the 2026-2030 period. Building on previous cooperation, the new agreement expands collaboration across political, economic, educational, cultural and social fields, from city to grassroots levels, in line with development orientations of both capitals.

The two sides will maintain exchanges, cooperate in Party building and jointly promote communication on the Vietnam-Laos special relationship, including preparations for the 65th anniversary of diplomatic ties and the 50th anniversary of the Treaty of Friendship and Cooperation in 2027.

Hanoi and Vientiane will step up investment promotion, innovation, digital transformation, trade, agriculture and environmental cooperation. In education, culture and social affairs, they will enhance training, scholarships, cultural exchanges and healthcare cooperation.