President To Lam starts state visit to Laos

President To Lam arrived in Vientiane on July 11 morning, beginning a two-day state visit to Laos at the invitation of General Secretary of the Lao People's Revolutionary Party (LPRP) Central Committee and President of Laos Thongloun Sisoulith.

President To Lam arrives in Vientiane on July 11 morning, beginning a two-day state visit to Laos. (PHoto: VNA)
President To Lam arrives in Vientiane on July 11 morning, beginning a two-day state visit to Laos. (PHoto: VNA)

Vientiane (VNA) – President To Lam arrived in Vientiane on July 11 morning, beginning a two-day state visit to Laos at the invitation of General Secretary of the Lao People's Revolutionary Party (LPRP) Central Committee and President of Laos Thongloun Sisoulith.

The State leader was welcomed by Chairwoman of the Presidential Office of Laos Khemmani Pholsena, Governor of Vientiane Atsaphangthong Siphandone, Lao Deputy Minister of Foreign Affairs Bounleua Phandanouvong, and Lao Ambassador to Vietnam Khamphao Ernthavanh, and Vietnamese Ambassador to Laos Nguyen Ba Hung.

As his first overseas trip since he took office, President Lam’s visit demonstrates Vietnam's consistent policy of always giving the highest priority to strengthening and nurturing the great friendship, special solidarity, and comprehensive cooperation with Laos.

The trip is not only a major diplomatic event but also a vivid manifestation of the special friendship and comprehensive cooperation between the two nations.

It aims to reaffirm Vietnam's strong support for Laos's efforts in renewal and national defence and construction, and encourage and assist Laos in successfully implementing the 11th Party Congress’s Resolution and the 12th five-year socio-economic development plan.

During his stay, the Vietnamese leader will attend an official welcoming ceremony, hold talks with Sisoulith, as well as witness the signing of cooperation documents between the two countries.

He will also have meetings with the Prime Minister and the Chairman of the Lao National Assembly, receive the Chairman of the Central Lao Front for National Construction and the President of the Central Committee of the Lao Front for National Construction (LFNC) and the Chairman of the Central Laos-Vietnam Friendship Association, visit former high-ranking leaders of Laos, and meet representatives of the Vietnamese Embassy and community in the country./.

VNA

See more

Vietnamese Ambassador Dang Minh Khoi and Lao Ambassador Shiphandone Oybuabuddy with officials and staff of the two embassies. (Photo: VNA)

Vietnam, Laos share festive spirit ahead of Lunar New Year 2026

In a warm and festive atmosphere, officials and staff from the two embassies exchanged new year wishes for peace, development and success, reaffirming the great friendship, special solidarity and comprehensive cooperation between Vietnam and Laos.

Defence Attaché of Vietnam to Laos Colonel Phan Huu Thang speaks at the event (Photo: VNA)

Vietnam–Laos special relationship remains inseparable

No matter how complex and unpredictable global and regional developments may become, Laos and Vietnam will remain inseparable, said Senior Lieutenant General Vongsone Inpanphim, Secretary of the Party Central Committee, Deputy Minister of National Defence and Director of the General Political Department of the Lao People’s Army.

Minister of National Defence General Phan Van Giang (R) hosts Michael DeSombre, US Assistant Secretary of State for East Asian and Pacific Affairs, in Hanoi on February 13. (Photo: qdnd.vn)

Minister of National Defence meets with US Assistant Secretary of State in Hanoi

Stressing that Vietnam will keep close coordination and create the best possible conditions for activities related to the search for US personnel missing in action, Defence Minister Phan Van Giang also called on the US to enhance information sharing on documents and artefacts related to Vietnamese soldiers who laid down or went missing during the war.

Party General Secretary To Lam (right) receices US Assistant Secretary of State for East Asian and Pacific Affairs Michael DeSombre in Hanoi on February 13. (Photo: VNA)

Party chief receives US Assistant Secretary of State

The US attaches great importance to its Comprehensive Strategic Partnership with Vietnam, supports a strong, independent and prosperous Vietnam, and wishes to enhance strategic-level cooperation with the country both bilaterally and on regional and international matters.

General Luong Tam Quang, Politburo member and Minister of Public Security, receives US Assistant Secretary of State for East Asian and Pacific Affairs Michael DeSombre in Hanoi on February 13. Photo: VNA

Vietnam, US enhance security, law enforcement cooperation

The Ministry of Public Security stands ready to strengthen cooperation with the US in combating transnational crime, said Minister Luong Tam Quang while receiving US Assistant Secretary of State for East Asian and Pacific Affairs Michael DeSombre in Hanoi on February 13.

Vietnamese Ambassador to Russia Dang Minh Khoi (L) and other speakers at a plenary session of the international conference on Vietnam. (Photo: VNA)

Russian scholars highlight strategic vision of CPV’s 14th Congress

Professor Vladimir Mazyrin, Director of the Centre for Vietnam and ASEAN Studies, emphasised the significance of Vietnam’s long-term vision. He observed that if the country achieves developed-nation status within the next two decades, it could rank among the world’s top 20 economies by GDP, thereby enhancing its global standing.

Party General Secretary To Lam offers incense in tribute to late PM Pham Van Dong. (Photo: VNA)

Party chief offers incense in tribute to late PM Pham Van Dong

In tribute to late PM Pham Van Dong (1906 - 2000), the Party chief expressed great respect and deep gratitude for the immense contributions of the late Government leader — an outstanding disciple and close and trusted comrade of President Ho Chi Minh; a steadfast proletarian revolutionary, and a prominent leader of Vietnam’s revolution in the 20th century, who made great contributions to the cause of national liberation, construction and defence.

State President Luong Cuong offers incense in commemoration of President Ho Chi Minh at House 67 in Hanoi on February 13, 2026. (Photo: VNA)

State leader pays tribute to President Ho Chi Minh at House 67

President Cuong expressed his profound gratitude for the immense contributions of President Ho Chi Minh - the beloved leader of the Vietnamese nation, who dedicated and sacrificed his entire life for the independence and freedom of the country and the happiness of the people.

The festive atmosphere welcoming the Year of the Horse 2026 fills communities across the country. (Photo: VNA)

The Year of the Horse is in the air across Vietnam

In a January interview with the Vietnam News Agency shortly after the congress, Party General Secretary To Lam emphasised the determination of the entire political system to turn its resolution into tangible outcomes, bringing clear benefits to the people as quickly as possible.