Government chief hosts official welcome ceremony for Lao PM

The Vietnamese Government leader expressed his pleasure at receiving Prime Minister Sonexay Siphandone at a time when Vietnam-Laos relations have been elevated with the new framework of “great friendship, special solidarity, comprehensive cooperation and strategic cohesion,” reflecting a new strategic vision in the current stage of development.

After receiving bouquets of flowers from children in Hanoi, PM Hung and his Lao counterpart walked along the red carpet to the ceremonial platform. Under the national flags of the two countries, the national anthems of Laos and Vietnam were played, and both PMs and delegates attended the flag salute ceremony.

In a solemn atmosphere, the two PMs stepped forward to salute the national flags of the two countries. The host leader invited PM Sonexay Siphandone to inspect the Honour Guard of the Vietnam People's Army. The two leaders then introduced members of their high-level delegations attending the welcome ceremony.

Following the ceremony, PM Le Minh Hung and his Lao counterpart led their high-level delegations into talks.

Vietnam-Laos relations continue to develop with deep trust and special bonds. Following the state visit by Party General Secretary To Lam and the high-level meeting between the two Politburos at the end of 2025, the two sides agreed to elevate bilateral ties with the new framework of “great friendship, special solidarity, comprehensive cooperation and strategic cohesion,” showing a new strategic vision in the current stage of development.

Since the beginning of 2026, senior leaders of both nations have continued to exchange visits, reaffirming the special importance both sides attach to bilateral relations.

Economic, trade and investment cooperation has recorded positive progress. Vietnam currently has 276 investment projects in Laos with total registered capital of approximately US$6.21 billion, ranking second among countries investing in Laos.

Bilateral trade reached nearly US$3 billion in 2025, up 32.7% compared with 2024. Both sides are striving to raise bilateral trade to between US$5 billion and US$10 billion in the coming years. The two countries have finalized procedures for local-currency payments and bilateral retail payment connectivity using QR codes.

The two sides have coordinated the implementation of a number of symbolic cultural projects, including the Laos-Vietnam Friendship Park in Vientiane, the recognition of the Ho Chi Minh Trail in Laos as a national historical relic site of Laos, and cooperation in preserving the cross-border heritage sites of Phong Nha-Ke Bang and Hin Nam No. The Vietnamese community in Laos continues to serve as an important social foundation for strengthening and developing the special friendship between Vietnam and Laos.

Lao PM Sonexay Siphandone is paying an official visit to Vietnam and is set to attend the third ASEAN Future Forum from June 7 to 9, 2026 at the invitation of Prime Minister Le Minh Hung.

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