Lao Prime Minister Saleumxay Kommasith chairs the official welcoming ceremony for Prime Minister Le Minh Hung

On the afternoon of October 8, Lao Prime Minister Saleumxay Kommasith chaired the official welcoming ceremony for Politburo member, Prime Minister Le Minh Hung and the high-level Vietnamese delegation.

The welcoming ceremony was solemnly held at the Prime Minister's Office in Vientiane capital.

Prime Minister Le Minh Hung and the high-level Vietnamese delegation are on an official visit to the Lao People's Democratic Republic from October 8-9, 2026.

When the convoy carrying Prime Minister Le Minh Hung and the Vietnamese delegation entered the Lao Prime Minister's Office, Lao Prime Minister Saleumxay Kommasith warmly welcomed Prime Minister Le Minh Hung. Prime Minister Le Minh Hung received a bouquet of fresh flowers from Lao children.

After Prime Minister Le Minh Hung and Lao Prime Minister Saleumxay Kommasith took the honorary positions, the Vietnamese and Lao National Anthems were sent up. After that, the two Prime Ministers took steps to review the Honorary Guard of the Lao People's Army.

Lao Prime Minister Saleumxay Kommasith introduced to Prime Minister Le Minh Hung the composition of the Lao side attending the welcoming ceremony; Prime Minister Le Minh Hung introduced to the Lao Prime Minister the composition of the Vietnamese side. After the welcoming ceremony, the two Prime Ministers held talks.

This is the first official visit to Laos and also the first bilateral foreign visit of Comrade Le Minh Hung in his capacity as Prime Minister of Vietnam. Prime Minister Le Minh Hung is also one of the first high-level guests to be received by Lao Prime Minister Saleumxay Kommasith in his new position.

Over the past time, political relations between Vietnam and Laos have become increasingly deeper. Defense and security cooperation continues to be an important pillar. Economic cooperation is undergoing positive changes. In 2025, two-way trade turnover reached about 3 billion USD, an increase of 32% compared to 2024. Vietnam continues to be in the group of major foreign investors in Laos, with about 300 projects, total registered capital of about 7.04 billion USD. The two sides are seeking to better exploit their potential, especially in infrastructure connectivity, energy, trade and investment.

Education - training and people-to-people exchanges are always of concern to the two countries. Localities, especially border provinces, regularly maintain exchange activities, thereby strengthening understanding and attachment between the people of the two countries.

It is expected that at the talks, the two sides will exchange and agree on specific measures to more effectively implement high-level agreements and commitments, especially in contents that need to create changes and breakthroughs, contributing to further deepening the "great friendship, special solidarity, comprehensive cooperation, strategic cohesion" between Vietnam and Laos.

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