Hanoi (VNA) – State President Luong Cuong and a high-level delegation of Vietnam left Hanoi on April 24 afternoon for a two-day state visit to Laos at the invitation of General Secretary of the Lao People's Revolutionary Party Central Committee and President Thongloun Sisoulith.
Accompanying him are Do Van Chien, Politburo member, Secretary of the Party Central Committee, President of the Vietnam Fatherland Front Central Committee; General Phan Van Giang, Politburo member, Minister of National Defence; General Luong Tam Quang, Politburo member, Minister of Public Security; Le Minh Tri, Secretary of the Party Central Committee, Chief Justice of the Supreme People's Court; and Bui Thanh Son, member of the Party Central Committee, Deputy Prime Minister, Minister of Foreign Affairs, among others.
This is the first state visit to Laos by President Cuong, demonstrating Vietnam's high regard and priority to Laos and the determination of the leaders of the two Parties and countries in promoting the great friendship, special solidarity and comprehensive cooperation between Vietnam and Laos.
With the determination to promote the implementation of high-level agreements, this trip is of great significance, as it demonstrates the consistency of the Vietnamese Party and State in always considering the Lao State and the special Vietnam-Laos relationship one of the top priorities in implementing its foreign policy. It also reaffirms Vietnam's strong support for Laos’ renewal process, and aims to increase the special closeness and affection between the high-level leaders of the two Parties and countries./.

See more

Party chief meets with Belarusian parliamentary leaders
Both host and guest agreed to usher in a new phase of bilateral cooperation with specific measures.

Vietnam, Belarus issue joint statement on establishing strategic partnership
In the document, Vietnam and Belarus affirmed their intent to deepen joint work across a wide range of fields to safeguard national interests and contribute to peace, stability, cooperation, and prosperity in the regions and the world.

Vietnam values all-around cooperation with Sweden: PM
The Vietnamese Government and people always remember and value Sweden’s sincere and invaluable support during the country’s past struggle for independence and in its current process of development and global integration, Prime Minister Pham Minh Chinh said.

Vietnamese Party leader, Belarusian President hold talks
The two leaders applauded the recent progress of economic, trade, and investment ties, agreeing on the necessity to further tap into the cooperation potential generated by the free trade agreement between Vietnam and the Eurasian Economic Union (EAEU), of which Belarus is a member.

Vietnam, Belarus establish strategic partnership
General Secretary of the Communist Party of Vietnam Central Committee To Lam and President of Belarus Aleksandr Lukashenko announced the upgrade of bilateral ties to a strategic partnership at a joint press conference following their talks in Minsk on May 12.

Vietnam, Belarus sign joint statement on strategic partnership
Vietnamese Party General Secretary To Lam and President of Belarus Aleksandr Lukashenko inked the statement following their talks in Minsk, part of the former’s state visit to Belarus.

Party chief meets with Vietnamese community in Belarus
The Party chief said that he is pleased to see that the Vietnamese community in Belarus, although not large, is successful and supportive of each other.

☕ Afternoon briefing on May 12
The following is a brief review of the day’s events as reported by the Vietnam News Agency.

Belarusian President hosts welcome ceremony for Vietnamese Party chief in Minsk
The state visit to Belarus by Party General Secretary To Lam, his spouse, and the high-level Vietnamese delegation marks a new impetus for strengthening and expanding bilateral ties. It is expected to help deepen the already strong relationship, enhance the effectiveness of existing mechanisms, and establish new ones, aiming for more regular, substantive, and effective cooperation in the years to come.

Prime Minister urges Thai Binh province to identify levers for further growth
Despite facing multiple challenges, Thai Binh has made significant strides across multiple sectors. The province recorded an average gross regional domestic product (GRDP) growth of 8.36% over the past five years.

Vietnam welcomes proposal to resume direct Russia-Ukraine talks
Vietnam welcomes Russian President V. Putin's proposal on May 11 to resume direct talks with Ukraine, Spokesperson of the Vietnamese Ministry of Foreign Affairs Pham Thu Hang said on May 12 in response to a reporter's question about Vietnam's reaction to the proposal.

NA endorses 10% preferential tax rate for all press agencies
To affirm the Party and State’s commitment to supporting the press, the NA Standing Committee has adopted the government’s proposal to apply a uniform preferential corporate tax rate of 10% to all types of press. This move aligns with the current tax incentives for print newspapers.

Legislators consider shortening tenure of 15th National Assembly
Lawmakers also heard a proposal on the national election day for the 16th-tenure NA and all-level People's Councils for 2026–2030.

Thai Prime Minister to pay official visit to Vietnam
The visit will be made at the invitation of Vietnamese Prime Minister Pham Minh Chinh, according to the Ministry of Foreign Affairs./.

Russian experts pin high hope on Vietnam – Russia ties following Party chief’s visit
Party General Secretary To Lam’s packed schedule covered all cooperation areas between the two countries, creating new and powerful momentum for developing the Vietnam – Russia relations.

Vietnam nominated to chair 2026 NPT Review Conference
Vietnam will work collaboratively with all parties to ensure a successful review process that meets international expectations. It will engage in broad consultations with countries, regional groups, and relevant stakeholders to help bridge differences and promote consensus.

Lawmakers debate shortening tenure of 15th National Assembly
Vice Chairwoman of the NA's Committee for Legal and Judicial Affairs Nguyen Phuong Thuy said the proposed shortening of the NA’s term is to meet practical requirements.

☀️ Morning digest on May 12
The following is a list of selected news summaries reported last weekend by the Vietnam News Agency.

Party chief calls for closer friendship between Vietnam, Belarus
Vietnam consistently attaches importance to its traditional friendship with Belarus and wishes to further strengthen cooperation across all fields for the mutual benefit of the two nations, and for peace, cooperation, and development in the region and around the world.

Party General Secretary To Lam begins state visit to Belarus
Since the establishment of diplomatic relations in 1992, Vietnam and Belarus have maintained and developed the traditional friendship and multi-faceted cooperation with increasingly high political trust.