Lao-Vietnam Ties Deepen as Leaders Exchange Congratulations, Delegation Visit Approaches

This Week

Laos and Vietnam are reaffirming their close bilateral relationship this week, marked by an exchange of congratulations following To Lam’s re-election as President of Vietnam and an upcoming high-level party delegation visit to Vientiane.

Lao President Thongloun Sisoulith was among the first regional leaders to extend congratulations to To Lam after the 16th National Assembly (NA) confirmed his re-election as President of Vietnam during its first inaugural session on 6 April. 

In his message, Thongloun noted that To Lam’s re-appointment strongly reflects the continued trust that the Vietnamese Party, State, and people place in his leadership, recognizing his significant achievements and dedication to the nation throughout his career.

Thongloun expressed confidence that To Lam will lead Vietnam toward greater successes under the Communist Party of Vietnam’s 14th National Congress Resolution, while pledging to further strengthen the two countries’ friendship, solidarity, and strategic partnership for the benefit of both nations and regional peace and stability.

High-Level Visit to Vientiane

Adding to the diplomatic momentum, Tran Cam Tu, Permanent Member of the Secretariat of the Communist Part of Vietnam (CPV), will lead a high-level Vietnamese delegation on an official visit to Laos on 9 April, at the invitation of Vilay Lakhamphong, Permanent Member of the Secretariat of the Lao People’s Revolutionary Party (LPRP). 

The visit is expected to further cement the close Party-to-Party ties between Vientiane and Hanoi.

To Lam’s Re-Election

To Lam’s re-election marks his second time serving as president. 

He had previously held the position from May to October 2024, stepping in after the resignation of Vo Van Thuong, who stepped down amid Vietnam’s sweeping anti-corruption campaign. He now simultaneously holds the country’s two most powerful positions, President of Vietnam and General Secretary of the CPV. 

The leadership changes come weeks after Vietnam concluded its 2026 general election on March 15, in which more than 73 million voters elected 500 members of the NA,  a vote held every five years in the one-party state of more than 100 million people.

New PM Le Minh Hung

On the same day, the NA also unanimously elected Le Minh Hung as Vietnam’s new Prime Minister for the 2026-2031 term, succeeding Pham Minh Chinh, who had served in the role since 2021. 

Born in 1970 in Ha Tinh province, the 56-year-old economist previously served as Governor of the State Bank of Vietnam and head of the Party’s Organization Commission. 

In his oath speech, Le Minh Hung pledged to prioritize economic growth and reform.

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