This is Comrade Sonexay Siphandone’s first official visit to Viet Nam in his new capacity following the recent changes in Laos’ senior leadership. The visit is an important diplomatic event, vividly demonstrating the great friendship, special solidarity, comprehensive cooperation and strategic cohesion between Viet Nam and Laos.
    |
 |
|
National Assembly President Tran Thanh Man and Sonexay Siphandone during an official visit to Viet Nam in June 2026 (Photo: daibieunhandan.vn) |
As like-minded neighboring countries sharing aspirations and a common space for survival and development, Viet Nam and Laos have maintained a tradition of peaceful and close relations throughout their histories. The steadfast, loyal and enduring solidarity between the two peoples has been proven by history to be rare in the world.
The special relationship, founded by President Ho Chi Minh, President Kaysone Phomvihane, and President Souphanouvong, has been carefully nurtured by generations of leaders of the two Parties and States, as well as the people of both countries, and forged through war and peace.
The revolutionary achievements of both countries have been closely associated with the development of their special solidarity, which is regarded as a historical necessity of vital strategic significance to both nations. This exemplary relationship, with its long-term strategic importance, has always been a top priority in the foreign policies of both countries.
Building on this proud tradition, Viet Nam and Laos have continued working to elevate their bilateral relations to new heights more than six decades after establishing diplomatic ties.
Their great friendship, special solidarity, comprehensive cooperation and strategic cohesion have continued to develop in a substantive manner, with strategic cohesion increasingly translated into concrete cooperation across various fields.
The two sides have worked closely to implement joint statements, high-level agreements, cooperation plans and the outcomes of the 48th meeting of the Viet Nam-Laos Intergovernmental Committee in an earnest and focused manner.
Cooperation between the two National Assemblies has also been strengthened through delegation exchanges, the sharing of experience in legislation, oversight and institutional improvement, and closer coordination between their specialized agencies.
The two legislatures have monitored the implementation of bilateral cooperation agreements and supported each other at multilateral parliamentary forums, helping enhance their roles and standing.
Both sides have also coordinated in implementing activities related to the meeting of the leaders of the three Parties of Viet Nam, Cambodia, and Laos, contributing to stronger strategic exchanges and cooperation among the three countries.
The official visit by Lao National Assembly President Sonexay Siphandone will further translate the common understandings reached by senior leaders of the two Parties and States into concrete action, particularly in strengthening strategic cohesion in the new stage of development. It will also help promote the important role of parliamentary diplomacy in further deepening bilateral relations.
May the official visit to Viet Nam by Lao National Assembly President Sonexay Siphandone and his spouse be a great success, further nurturing the great friendship, special solidarity, comprehensive cooperation and strategic cohesion between the two Parties, States and peoples of Viet Nam and Laos, making their ties “deeper than the water of the Red and Mekong Rivers,” “more enduring than mountains and rivers,” “brighter than the full moon,” and “more fragrant than the sweetest flower.”
Translated by Minh Anh