General Secretary, President Thongloun Sisoulith visits Vietnam: Laos prioritizes relationship with Vietnam

On the occasion of the State visit to Vietnam by General Secretary and President of Laos Thongloun Sisoulith, Lao Ambassador to Vietnam Khamphao Ernthavanh shared with The World and Vietnam Report the special significance of the visit and extended best wishes for the success of the 14th Party Congress.
General Secretary, President Thongloun Sisoulith visits Vietnam: Laos prioritizes relationship with Vietnam
General Secretary To Lam and General Secretary, President of Laos Thongloun Sisoulith review the honor guard of the Lao People's Army during the State visit to Laos in December 2025.

General Secretary of the Central Committee of the Lao People's Revolutionary Party, President of the Lao People's Democratic Republic Thongloun Sisoulith and his spouse will make a State visit to Vietnam from January 26-27. Could you share some insights about this visit?

The visit to Vietnam by the General Secretary of the Lao People's Revolutionary Party right after the 14th National Congress of the Communist Party of Vietnam holds special and profound significance. It is the most vivid and clear manifestation of the great friendship, special solidarity, comprehensive cooperation, and strategic connection between Laos and Vietnam - a model relationship that is rare in international relations.

The visit to Vietnam not only aims to congratulate the significant successes of the 14th Congress but also demonstrates the high political trust and long-term strategic commitment between the two Parties, States, and peoples. Choosing Vietnam as the first destination after the 12th National Congress of the Lao People's Revolutionary Party earlier this year shows that Laos always prioritizes its relationship with Vietnam in its foreign policy.

We believe that this high-level visit from the Lao People's Democratic Republic will contribute to strengthening bilateral cooperation, especially the new content of "strategic connection", creating new momentum for both sides to continue closely coordinating in implementing high-level agreements and achieving the development goals set by each Party and country for the new development phase.

Ambassador, the 14th Congress of the Communist Party of Vietnam has just concluded successfully. What message would you like to convey on this special occasion?

I extend warm and sincere congratulations to the Communist Party of Vietnam, the State, and the brotherly people of Vietnam on the successful conclusion of the 14th National Congress of the Communist Party of Vietnam.

The success of the Congress is clear evidence of the correct leadership, firm political will, and strategic vision of the Communist Party of Vietnam. It also clearly reflects the determination and strong aspiration for development of the Party, State, and entire Vietnamese people in this era of national advancement.

I am confident that with the important decisions made at the Congress, Vietnam will continue to develop rapidly and sustainably, enhancing its role and position on the international and regional stage, moving towards the goals of a prosperous, strong, democratic, equitable, and civilized nation.

The success of the Congress is not only a source of pride for the Vietnamese people but also for the Party, State, and people of Laos, as Laos and Vietnam are neighboring countries with a great friendship, special solidarity, comprehensive cooperation, and strategic connection. I believe that on this solid foundation, the relationship between Laos and Vietnam will continue to be strengthened and developed more deeply, practically, and effectively in the future.

How do you assess the significance and success of the 14th Congress of the Communist Party of Vietnam, as well as Laos' confidence in Vietnam's new development path in the coming time?

The 14th National Congress of the Communist Party of Vietnam is a political event of special significance, marking a new milestone in Vietnam's process of renewal, integration, and sustainable development. The Congress was held solemnly, democratically, and successfully, demonstrating the unified determination, strategic vision, and strong development aspiration of the Party and the entire Vietnamese people in this new era of development.

The documents approved at the Congress clearly outline Vietnam's development roadmap in the medium and long term, with specific goals for 2030 and a vision to 2045. They also affirm the determination to build an independent, self-reliant economy, deeply integrated with the international community, leveraging science and technology, innovation, and digital transformation as the main drivers for rapid and sustainable growth.

From Laos' perspective, we highly appreciate the significant and comprehensive achievements that Vietnam has attained in 40 years of renewal, as well as the strategic directions set by the 14th Congress. These results not only contribute to enhancing Vietnam's role and position in Southeast Asia and on the international stage but also serve as an inspiration and valuable lesson for developing countries, including Laos.

We believe that Vietnam will successfully achieve the goals set by the 14th Congress, continuing to develop strongly, stably, and prosperously. Vietnam's success is also a motivation for Laos, and we are ready to continue standing side by side and closely cooperating with Vietnam on this new development path for the benefit of the peoples of both countries and for peace, stability, and development in the region.

Thank you very much, Ambassador!

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