The selfless, faithful and trustworthy relationship between Vietnam and Laos has been increasingly deepened and has gradually become more substantive and effective, fulfilling the desires of the both countries’ people.

Vietnam provides Laos with medical supplies to help the country cope
with the COVID-19 pandemic

Amid the COVID-19 pandemic, the relationship between the two countries is still growing in various fields. The political relationship continues to be reinforced as the two sides strive to maintain exchanges and high-level meetings in various forms, especially after the success of their respective Party Congresses and general elections, helping shape and create new drivers for cooperation in all fields.

Defence and security cooperation continues to be strengthened. The two sides work together to realise their plans, making efforts to ensure security and maintain a borderline of peace and friendship.

Economic, trade and investment cooperation has been well maintained despite the pandemic. Bilateral trade in the first six months of 2021 reached US$670 million, up 36.5% over the same period in 2020. Vietnam continues to be the third largest investor in Laos with total registered capital of US$5.16 billion. The two sides also work closely together to implement Vietnam’s official development assistance projects for Laos. During the 2016-2020 period, Vietnam handed over 26 such projects to Laos.

With regards to cooperation in education, the total number of Lao students in Vietnam currently stands at 16,600, double the figure five years ago. Cooperation between local governments, especially those sharing a border continues to be enhanced in infrastructural development, healthcare and security.

Building on the tradition of mutual support, the two countries also provide the other both financial and spiritual support, especially in terms of the COVID-19 pandemic. This timely, valuable and effective support has contributed to both countries’ common efforts aimed at overcoming the pandemic and stimulating socio-economic recovery.

The two countries also work closely together and support each other at regional and international fora, especially the United Nations, ASEAN, ASEAN-led and sub-regional cooperation mechanisms, contributing to the peace, stability and development of the region and the world at large.

Commenting on the relationship between the Vietnamese and Lao Parties, states and people, the Pathet Lao Daily, published by the Lao News Agency, emphasises the great friendship, special solidarity and comprehensive cooperation relationship between the two countries is a unique model in international relations.