Vietnam and Laos are seeking to strengthen cooperation between their national legislatures during an official visit by Lao National Assembly President Sonexay Siphandone. The visit, which began on November 2 and runs until November 5, is expected to support closer political relations and create new opportunities for cooperation between the neighbouring countries.
Siphandone is visiting Vietnam with his spouse. The trip is expected to provide an opportunity for leaders from both sides to discuss ways to improve parliamentary ties and turn existing agreements into practical results. The visit also reflects the two countries’ aim to maintain their long-standing partnership.
Vietnam and Laos share a close relationship based on geography, history and political cooperation. They established diplomatic relations on September 5, 1962, and signed a Treaty of Amity and Cooperation in July 1977. Their relationship was later described as one of great friendship, special solidarity and comprehensive cooperation. In December 2025, the two sides added the phrase strategic cohesion to reflect their shared long-term goals.
Cooperation between the two countries has expanded across several areas, including trade, investment, education, tourism and security. Bilateral trade reached around 3 billion US dollars in 2025 and 1.6 billion dollars during the first eight months of 2026. Both governments are working toward increasing trade to 5 billion dollars and eventually 10 billion dollars.
Vietnam is also an important investor in Laos. By August 2026, Vietnamese businesses had registered more than 7 billion dollars across 301 projects in the neighbouring country. During the first eight months of this year, Vietnam launched 21 new investment projects in Laos with registered capital of nearly 700 million dollars.
Parliamentary cooperation is an important part of the wider relationship. The two national assemblies regularly exchange delegations, share experience in lawmaking and organise discussions on issues that affect both countries. They also cooperate through regional and international parliamentary forums.
The legislatures have developed joint activities involving their committees, friendship groups and representatives. They have also created cooperation mechanisms for young and female parliamentarians. These exchanges are intended to improve communication and help both sides learn from each other’s legislative work.
Education and cultural cooperation remain important as well. Vietnam provided Laos with more than 1,100 scholarships in 2025, along with additional places requested by the Lao side. Both countries also support cultural exchanges and tourism projects that help strengthen links between their people.
The visit takes place ahead of two important anniversaries in 2027: the 65th anniversary of diplomatic relations and the 50th anniversary of the Treaty of Amity and Cooperation.
Officials expect the visit to give fresh momentum to parliamentary cooperation and the wider partnership. Both sides aim to make their relationship more practical and sustainable, with benefits for communities, businesses and institutions in Vietnam and Laos.
