This is first overseas trip by Thongloun Sisoulith in his capacity as Lao Party General Secretary and President for the 2021 – 2026 term.

The visit aims to implement consistent foreign policy Laos and Vietnam in reserving and promoting the great friendship, special solidarity and comprehensive cooperation of the two countries.

It also provides an opportunity for the two countries to further exchange experience in development and accelerate the effective implementation of bilateral agreements in 2021 and beyond.

Following the welcome ceremony, the Lao leader held talks with Party General Secretary Nguyen Phu Trong.

The two leaders stressed that the Vietnamese and Lao Parties, States and people are resolved to preserve and promote special relations between the two countries intensively and extensively in any circumstance.

Thongloun Sisoulith expressed his delight at achievements Vietnam has recorded after 35 years of "Doi moi" (renewal). The Lao leader said he believed that under the leadership of the CPV, the Vietnamese people will reap greater achievements.

For his part, Trong said the Vietnamese Party, State and people strongly and comprehensively support the cause of reform and national construction in Laos, and shared difficulties facing the country amid the COVID-19 pandemic.

The two leaders also emphasised the importance of maintaining peace, security and stability as well as ensuring security, safety and freedom of navigation and aviation in the East Sea, settling disputes in the sea by peaceful measures on the basis of international law. 

Following their talks, the two leaders witnessed the signing of a series of cooperation agreements between the two sides.

Among those signed are the agreements on the Vietnam – Laos cooperation strategy for 2021 – 2030; and on their bilateral collaboration for 2021 – 2025.

Numerous pacts for cooperation between Vietnamese and Lao ministries were inked at the event, including the one between the ministries of Planning and Investment of the two countries and another between the Party Central Committee's Office of Vietnam and the LPRP Central Committee's Office for 2021-2025./.