On 1/12, in Vientiane, leaders of Thanh Hoa and Houaphanh provinces exchanged a cooperation agreement for the 2026–2030 period. This significant event was witnessed by General Secretary To Lam and General Secretary and President of Laos Thongloun Sisoulith.

The agreement exchange took place during the state visit to Laos by General Secretary To Lam and his spouse, at the invitation of General Secretary and President Thongloun Sisoulith and his spouse. The visit coincided with the 50th anniversary of the Lao People's Democratic Republic's National Day, from 1-2/12.

General Secretary To Lam and General Secretary and President of Laos Thongloun Sisoulith witness the exchange of the 2026-2030 cooperation agreement between Thanh Hoa province, Vietnam, and Houaphanh province, Laos. *Photo: TTXVN*

Under the 2026–2030 cooperation agreement, the two provinces agreed to strengthen comprehensive cooperation across many sectors. This collaboration aligns with the Vietnam – Laos cooperation strategy and addresses their practical development needs.

Both sides committed to continuing the promotion of exchanges of delegations at all levels. They also aim to expand interactions among Party organizations, administrations, mass organizations, and departments. Awareness campaigns about the great friendship between Vietnam and Laos, particularly targeting the younger generations of both provinces, are identified as a key focus in the upcoming period.

The two provinces prioritize maintaining stability in the border area and enhancing coordination in combating crime. This focus includes addressing drug offenses, smuggling, and illegal immigration. Bilateral patrols, information exchange, and professional training activities will be closely maintained to ensure border security.

Provincial Party Secretary of Thanh Hoa Nguyen Doan Anh (left) and Provincial Party Secretary of Houaphanh Phutphan Keovongxay signed the 2026-2030 cooperation agreement, witnessed by leaders of Thanh Hoa and Houaphanh provinces. *Photo: Minh Hieu*

Thanh Hoa and Houaphanh agreed to promote cross-border trade, facilitate business dialogues, and improve the investment environment. They will also support connecting businesses from both provinces. Both sides will strengthen the development of logistics services, especially for goods transportation across the border.

In agriculture and forestry, the two provinces will continue to coordinate efforts in forest protection and forest fire prevention and fighting. They also aim for sustainable forest development and will exchange experiences in resource management.

The two provinces will continue cooperation in human resource training, teacher and student exchanges, and support Lao students studying in Thanh Hoa. In the socio-cultural and health sectors, both sides will promote exchanges, share experiences, and support improving the quality of healthcare services and social welfare.

An important highlight of the agreement is Thanh Hoa's commitment to assist Houaphanh province in constructing and completing the headquarters of the district administrations in Sam Neua, Sam Teu, and Vieng Xay during the 2026–2030 period. Additionally, several symbolic friendship projects between the two provinces will be implemented. The total estimated support for these initiatives is 244 billion VND from Thanh Hoa's budget.

Provincial Party Secretary of Houaphanh Phutphan Keovongxay (right) presents flowers to Provincial Party Secretary of Thanh Hoa Nguyen Doan Anh. *Photo: Minh Hieu*

Provincial Party Secretary of Thanh Hoa Nguyen Doan Anh affirmed that the new cooperation agreement will contribute to the increasingly profound, practical, and effective development of Thanh Hoa – Houaphanh relations across all sectors. This collaboration will further strengthen the Vietnam – Laos relationship, which is "everlasting and enduring".

Provincial Party Secretary of Houaphanh Phutphan Keovongxay stated that the recent achievements of Houaphanh province have significantly benefited from the 2020–2025 cooperation program. He expressed confidence that the 2026–2030 cooperation agreement will create new momentum for Houaphanh's rapid and sustainable development, while also strengthening the faithful and close relationship between the two provinces.

Le Hoang