General Secretary To Lam's visit to Laos is scheduled for 5/2, according to a statement released today by the Ministry of Foreign Affairs.

This marks General Secretary To Lam's first foreign visit since his re-election at the 14th National Party Congress and the first international trip by a key Vietnamese leader in 2026. The visit follows the state visit of Lao General Secretary and President Thongloun Sisoulith and his spouse to Vietnam on 26-27/1. Both the Communist Party of Vietnam and the Lao People's Revolutionary Party recently held successful national congresses, with General Secretary To Lam re-elected to lead the Communist Party of Vietnam for the 14th term, and General Secretary Thongloun Sisoulith re-elected to lead the Lao People's Revolutionary Party for the 12th term.

General Secretary To Lam at a press conference on 23/1. Photo: Giang Huy.

Vietnam and Laos established diplomatic relations on 5/9/1962. In 2/2019, the two nations elevated their ties from "traditional friendly relations" to "great friendly relations", underscoring the deepening bond between the two parties and countries.

Economic cooperation between Vietnam and Laos remains robust. In 2025, bilateral trade reached 2,98 billion USD, representing a 32,7% increase compared to 2024. Vietnam stands as Laos' 3rd largest trade partner. Laos consistently holds the 1st position among 85 countries and territories for Vietnamese outbound investment. Concurrently, Vietnam is the 2nd largest foreign investor in Laos, with total registered investment exceeding 6,21 billion USD.

Huyen Le