KUALA LUMPUR - Laos and Vietnam signed two cooperation agreements covering 2026-2030 during a state visit to Vietnam by Lao President Thongloun Sisoulith.

The documents reaffirm the two countries’ commitment to strengthening their special friendship, solidarity, comprehensive cooperation and strategic partnership.

One agreement was signed between the offices of the Lao People’s Revolutionary Party and the Communist Party of Vietnam, while the other focused on closer cooperation between Vientiane and Hanoi party committees.

Both agreements aim to improve coordination between the two parties and expand cooperation at the local level.

The signings took place in Hanoi on January 26 in the presence of President Thongloun and Communist Party of Vietnam General Secretary To Lam.

The agreements were concluded during President Thongloun’s state visit to Vietnam from January 26 to 27 at the invitation of To Lam and his wife.

President Thongloun, accompanied by his wife and a high-level delegation, made the visit following his recent re-election as LPRP secretary-general.

During talks, the two leaders reviewed progress in bilateral cooperation and discussed future priorities.

They also exchanged views on domestic developments and congratulated each other on the successful party congresses held recently in both countries.

Both sides expressed satisfaction with the steady growth of Laos-Vietnam relations across political, diplomatic, defence and security areas.

They noted positive growth in trade and investment, with key projects progressing through late 2025 and early 2026.

The leaders welcomed outcomes from recent high-level meetings that created fresh momentum for economic, cultural, scientific and technical cooperation.

They agreed to maintain regular high-level exchanges and speed up major connectivity projects such as the Vientiane-Hanoi Expressway and the Vientiane-Vung Ang railway.

They also stressed the importance of educating younger generations about the history and value of the Laos-Vietnam special relationship.

The visit ended with a state banquet hosted by To Lam, and President Thongloun invited him and his wife to visit Laos on February 5 and 6, which was accepted.