Vietnamese Party chief congratulates Lao counterpart on re-election

General Secretary Lam firmly believed that, under the leadership of the LPRP Central Committee and the important role played by comrade Thongloun, the Lao Party and people would successfully fulfil the goals set out by the 12th Party Congress, building a peaceful, independent, democratic, unified and prosperous Laos.

General Secretary of the Lao People's Revolutionary Party Central Committee Thongloun Sisoulith delivers a closing speech at the 12th National Congress of the Lao People's Revolutionary Party. (Photo: VNA)
General Secretary of the Lao People's Revolutionary Party Central Committee Thongloun Sisoulith delivers a closing speech at the 12th National Congress of the Lao People's Revolutionary Party. (Photo: VNA)

Hanoi (VNA) – General Secretary of the Communist Party of Viet Nam (CPV) Central Committee To Lam on January 8 sent a letter of congratulations to comrade Thongloun Sisoulith on his re-election as General Secretary of the Lao People’s Revolutionary Party (LPRP) Central Committee for the 12th term.

On behalf of the CPV Central Committee, General Secretary Lam extended the warmest congratulations to comrade Thongloun. The re-election reflects the Lao Party, State and people's recognition of comrade Thongloun’s significant contributions, intellect and dedication over recent years. The high level of trust placed in him by the entire Party and people demonstrates firm confidence in the sound leadership of the LPRP on the path of national construction and defence, he wrote.

The Vietnamese Party leader expressed his delight at, and extended sincere congratulations on the success of the 12th National Congress of the LPRP, highlighting in particular the creativity shown in formulating strategic visions as well as key objectives and tasks for Laos’s long-term development in the coming period.

General Secretary Lam firmly believed that, under the leadership of the LPRP Central Committee and the important role played by comrade Thongloun, the Lao Party and people would successfully fulfil the goals set out by the 12th Party Congress, building a peaceful, independent, democratic, unified and prosperous Laos.

The Party chief emphasised that the traditional relationship and loyal bond between Vietnam and Laos, founded and nurtured by President Ho Chi Minh, President Kaysone Phomvihane and President Souphanouvong, have become priceless shared assets of the two nations.

General Secretary Lam also expressed his confidence that, in his high-ranking position, comrade Thongloun would continue to make important contributions to further strengthening and deepening the special Vietnam – Laos relationship, in line with the interests and aspirations of the people of both countries.

On this occasion, the Vietnamese leader wished that comrade Thongloun will continue to achieve success in his role, make further contributions to the glorious revolutionary cause of the Lao Party, State and people, and, together with the leaders and people of Laos and Vietnam, continue efforts to nurture and deepen the great friendship, special solidarity, comprehensive cooperation and strategic cohesion between the two countries.

General Secretary Lam also expressed his hope to welcome comrade Thongloun to Vietnam in the near future for in-depth exchanges on strategic issues and to set major orientations for the positive development of the strategic cohesion between the two countries. Extending New Year wishes for 2026, he wished the Lao leader good health, happiness and success in his important position.

The same day, Le Hoai Trung, Secretary of the CPV Central Committee and Minister of Foreign Affairs, sent congratulatory messages to Bounlea Phandanouvong, member of the LPRP Central Committee and Head of its Commission for External Relations, and Thongsavan Phomvihane, member of the LPRP Central Committee and Minister of Foreign Affairs, on their election to the 12th Central Committee of the LPRP./.

VNA

See more

The appointment decision handover ceremony is held in Hanoi on March 12. (Photo: VNA)

PM appoints new leader for Vietnam’s top science academy

PM Pham Minh Chinh asked the VAST to continue to serve as the Party and State’s strategic advisory body on science – technology in key areas such as artificial intelligence, energy, marine economy, water security, and aerospace, alongside building a national sci-tech database.

Do Thanh Hai (right), Deputy Director-General of the East Sea Institute under the Diplomatic Academy of Vietnam, speaks at the dialogue. (Photo: VNA)

Vietnam, India promote maritime security cooperation through blue economy development

Through four rounds of bilateral “Track 1” Maritime Security Dialogue, the two sides have outlined priority areas of cooperation, including marine scientific research, blue economy development, humanitarian assistance and disaster relief, naval and coast guard cooperation, maritime law enforcement, capacity building, and maritime connectivity.

Ha Thi Nga (right), Vice President and General Secretary of the Vietnam Fatherland Front, meets with V.G. Kalganov, Deputy Chairman of the External Relations Committee of Saint Petersburg, in Hanoi on March 12. (Photo: mattran.org.vn)

Vietnam, Saint Petersburg step up people-to-people exchanges

The VFF will continue strengthening bilateral ties and promoting cooperation activities, while seeking closer coordination and support from Saint Petersburg to expand people-to-people exchanges in the coming period, VFF Vice President and General Secretary Ha Thi Nga has said.

National Assembly (NA) Chairman Tran Thanh Man speaks at the meeting. (Photo: VNA)

Top legislator asked for thorough preparations for NA, People’s Council election

With only three days left before voters head to the polls on March 15, the top legislator described the election as a particularly important political event and a major national occasion that demonstrates the people’s right to exercise their democratic power by directly choosing qualified representatives to the NA and People’s Councils at all levels.

Ship 17 of Brigade 171 under Naval Region 2 of the Vietnam People’s Navy. (Photo: VNA)

Navy ship completes Milan 2026 multinational exercise in India

Over a journey covering more than 5,000 nautical miles, the ship’s officers and crew combined operational participation with extended sea training aimed at enhancing command coordination capabilities, combat readiness, mastery of weapons and technical equipment, and overall physical endurance.

An overview of the 10th session of the 15th National Assembly which opens on October 20, 2025. (Illustrative photo: VNA)

France-based expert suggests elevating parliamentary diplomacy to support national development

Inter-parliamentary cooperation should be closely aligned with the country’s development priorities, including institutional reform, trade and investment, digital transformation, green transition, energy security, high-quality human resources development and the implementation of international commitments, said Le Van Tranh, a Vietnamese doctoral researcher in law at Paris Panthéon-Assas University in France.

Residents visit polling stations in their wards to review the list of candidates for deputies to the 16th National Assembly and members of People’s Councils at all levels for the 2026–2031 term. (Photo: VNA)

📝OP-ED: Resolutely removing discordant voices ahead of national election day

When March 15 arrives, one will see elderly voters approaching a hundred years old making their way to the polls, young voters casting their ballots with enthusiasm, and multi-generational families going together to fulfil their civic duty. Together, these moments will create a vibrant atmosphere, resembling a national celebration.

Le Thuong, Chairwoman of the Vietnamese Association in the Kansai region, Japan. (Photo: VNA)

OV in Japan place high expectations on NA, People’s Council election

Le Thuong, Chairwoman of the Vietnamese Association in the Kansai region, said overseas Vietnamese are closely following the upcoming election, viewing it as an important opportunity to strengthen the effectiveness of governance and ensure that development policies meet the country’s evolving needs.