Phu Tho Strengthens Local Cooperation, Contributing to the Great Friendship and Special Solidarity between Vietnam and Laos

Within the framework of the State visit to Laos by General Secretary To Lam, Phu Tho Province signed Memoranda of Understanding (MoU) on friendly cooperation with three provinces in Northern Laos, contributing to the deepening of the special Vietnam-Laos relationship.

At the invitation of Thongloun Sisoulith, General Secretary of the Lao People’s Revolutionary Party and President of the Lao People’s Democratic Republic, To Lam, General Secretary of the Communist Party of Vietnam, led a high-level Vietnamese delegation on a State visit to the Lao PDR starting from February 5, 2026.

This marks the first overseas trip by a key Vietnamese leader in 2026, and also the first overseas visit by General Secretary To Lam since the successful conclusion of the 14th National Congress of the Communist Party of Vietnam; taking place in the context of the Lao People’s Revolutionary Party having just successfully held its 12th National Congress, for the 2026-2030 term. The visit further affirms the high regard and priority that the Vietnamese Party and State place on consolidating and strengthening the great friendship, special solidarity, and comprehensive cooperation between Vietnam and Laos; demonstrating the profound political trust and close coordination between the two Parties and States in the new context.

General Secretary To Lam introduces the members of the high-level Vietnamese delegation.

Representing Phu Tho Province in the high-level delegation was Mr. Pham Dai Dương, Member of the Party Central Committee and Secretary of the Phu Tho Provincial Party Committee. During the visit, he participated in official activities in Vientiane, including the wreath-laying ceremony at the Unknown Soldiers' Monument, the State welcome ceremony hosted by General Secretary and President Thongloun Sisoulith, high-level talks, and the signing and exchange of cooperation documents. He also attended a meeting with Lao National Assembly Chairman Saysomphone Phomvihane, visited the Vietnamese Embassy, and met with the Vietnamese community in Laos.

General Secretary To Lam and Lao General Secretary and President Thongloun Sisoulith hold talks.

Phu Tho Provincial Party Secretary Pham Dai Duong attends the talks.

General Secretary To Lam and Lao General Secretary and President Thongloun Sisoulith witness the exchange of the MoU between Phu Tho Province and Bokeo Province.

Within the framework of the visit, in Vientiane, Mr. Pham Dai Duong, on behalf of the leaders of Phu Tho Province, signed and exchanged Memoranda of Understanding (MoUs) on friendly cooperation between Phu Tho and three northern Lao provinces: Luang Namtha, Luang Prabang, and Bokeo. The signing took place under the witness of high-ranking leaders from the two Parties and States. These MoUs serve to institutionalize the policy of enhancing comprehensive cooperation between the two countries' localities, creating a new framework and momentum to deepen practical and effective partnership.

Provincial Party Secretary Pham Dai Duong presents a painting to Mr. Khamkheuang Phoumanivong, Secretary of the Luang Namtha Provincial Party Committee.

Provincial Party Secretary Pham Dai Duong presents a souvenir to Mr. Penkhone Boutchanpheng, Secretary of the Bokeo Provincial Party Committee.

Immediately prior to the signing ceremony at the Presidential Palace of the Lao PDR, the Secretary of the Phu Tho Provincial Party Committee held side meetings with members of the Central Committee of the Lao People’s Revolutionary Party: Mr. Khamkheuang Phoumanivong (Secretary of Luang Namtha), Mr. Bounlouam Manivong (Secretary of Luang Prabang), and Mr. Penkhone Boutchanpheng (Secretary of Bokeo). During these talks, Mr. Pham Dai Duong expressed his pleasure in meeting and working with the provincial leaders in an atmosphere of friendship, trust, and special solidarity.

The Secretary extended his warm regards and wishes for health and success to the leaders and people of the sister provinces. He also congratulated the Lao People’s Revolutionary Party and Lao localities on the successful organization of Party Congresses at all levels, which established a vital foundation for political stability and socio-economic development in Laos’s new era.

Mr. Pham Dai Duong provided an overview of Phu Tho’s political situation and outstanding socio-economic achievements. He emphasized the province’s new potential and advantages following the restructuring and expansion of its development space, as well as major orientations for economic, cultural, and social development, investment attraction, and international cooperation.

In return, the leaders of Luang Namtha, Luang Prabang, and Bokeo shared information regarding their local socio-political situations, economic achievements, development priorities, and cooperation needs.

Both sides highly valued the results of past cooperation, particularly in human resource development, education and training, cultural exchange, and people-to-people diplomacy. These efforts have significantly contributed to consolidating and deepening the traditional special friendship between Vietnam and Laos.

In a spirit of mutual trust, understanding, and shared development, the parties agreed to further strengthen cooperation in key areas, including: education, training, and human resource development; cultural, tourism, and sports exchanges; and economic, trade, and investment cooperation tailored to the potential and strengths of each locality. Furthermore, they committed to exchanging expertise in Party building, government administration, and socio-economic development.

The Secretary of the Phu Tho Provincial Party Committee expressed his confidence that, based on the MoUs signed during General Secretary To Lam’s State visit, the friendly cooperation between Phu Tho and the northern Lao provinces will continue to grow robustly, becoming more profound, effective, and substantive. This will actively contribute to preserving and developing the great friendship, special solidarity, and comprehensive cooperation between Vietnam and Laos.

Nguyen Dac Thuy - Director of the Department of Foreign Affairs