Deputy FM Nguyen Minh Hang: Affirming the bond, companionship, and strategic cooperation between Vietnam and Laos
WVR - In the context of Vietnam and Laos implementing new development orientations following the 14th National Congress of the Party, Deputy Foreign Minister Nguyen Minh Hang emphasized the importance of enhancing exchanges and sharing experiences to improve adaptability and promote development cooperation between the two countries.
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On the morning of March 23, the Ministry of Foreign Affairs of Vietnam, in collaboration with the Fulbright School of Public Policy and Management (Fulbright University Vietnam), organized the opening ceremony of the Senior Leadership Program for Central and Local Leaders of Laos (LELP).
Attending the event from Vietnam were Deputy Foreign Minister Nguyen Minh Hang and Permanent Vice Chairman of the Ho Chi Minh City People's Committee Nguyen Loc Ha.
From Laos, Deputy Foreign Minister Maythong Thammavongsa and his delegation were present.
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Speaking at the ceremony, Permanent Vice Chairman of the Ho Chi Minh City People's Committee Nguyen Loc Ha expressed gratitude to the Ministry of Foreign Affairs of Vietnam and the Fulbright School of Public Policy and Management at Fulbright University Vietnam for coordinating this meaningful cooperation program in Ho Chi Minh City.
Nguyen Loc Ha noted that 2026 marks a particularly significant milestone for Vietnam and Laos, as Vietnam successfully organized the 14th National Congress of the Communist Party of Vietnam, and Laos also successfully held the 12th National Congress of the Lao People's Revolutionary Party.
The year 2026 also marks the 10th anniversary of the official establishment of Fulbright University Vietnam. According to Nguyen Loc Ha, the program will open a high-level policy dialogue forum, where policymakers, senior leaders, and managers from Laos will engage in in-depth discussions with leading Vietnamese experts and scholars on practical topics for Laos' socio-economic development.
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| The event was attended by Deputy Foreign Minister of Laos Maythong Thammavongsa. (Source: Ho Chi Minh City Department of Foreign Affairs) |
Sharing at the event, Deputy Minister Maythong Thammavongsa stated that the current regional and international situation is experiencing complex fluctuations, highlighting the role of economic diplomacy.
The short-term training program for senior leaders this time holds special significance as the first activity within the framework of bilateral cooperation on economic diplomacy between Vietnam and Laos.
Amidst the unpredictable regional and international situation, Deputy Minister Maythong Thammavongsa emphasized the necessity of enhancing policy planning and implementation capacity through in-depth training programs.
He highly appreciated Vietnam's socio-economic development achievements, affirming these as valuable lessons for Laos to reference.
He expressed confidence that the course will help participants enhance strategic thinking, gain a better understanding of the international economic context, and strengthen leadership capabilities, contributing effectively to Laos' 10th Five-Year Socio-Economic Development Plan.
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| Permanent Vice Chairman of the Ho Chi Minh City People's Committee Nguyen Loc Ha speaking at the opening ceremony. (Source: Ho Chi Minh City Department of Foreign Affairs) |
For her part, Deputy Foreign Minister Nguyen Minh Hang highlighted the significance of exchanges in the context of both countries successfully organizing national party congresses and implementing new development orientations.
According to Deputy Minister Nguyen Minh Hang, enhancing experience sharing, especially in the economic field, continues to affirm the bond, companionship, and strategic cooperation between Vietnam and Laos.
Amid global fluctuations, increasing uncertainty, and the profound impact of new technologies, Deputy Minister Nguyen Minh Hang suggested that both countries need to innovate their thinking and improve adaptability.
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| Deputy Foreign Minister of Laos Maythong Thammavongsa speaking at the event. (Source: Ho Chi Minh City Department of Foreign Affairs) |
Three key issues were emphasized: building an independent and self-reliant economy associated with effective integration, focusing on attracting high-quality FDI; maintaining macroeconomic stability and enhancing resilience; and innovating the growth model linked with digital and green transformation.
Particularly, energy security was identified as a major priority, with a commitment to strengthening cooperation and sharing experiences between the two countries.
Stating that the program was well-constructed to address major current issues, Deputy Minister Nguyen Minh Hằng noted that the discussions were comprehensive, focused, and covered foundational issues such as institutional reform and growth model innovation, while also delving into areas that will drive growth in the future, such as building state capacity for the digital economy and developing new economic models.
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| Delegates attending the opening ceremony of the Senior Leadership Program for Central and Local Leaders of Laos (LELP), March 23. (Source: FUV) |
