Vietnam-Laos ties: strategic cohesion

Vietnam and Laos have scaled up bilateral relations to the highest level of friendship and cooperation, known as “Great friendship, special solidarity, comprehensive cooperation and strategic cohesion”

- Kavi Chongkittavorn

A 2018 photo shows vendors in boats on the Mekong River in Chau Doc, Vietnam.

(THE NEW YORK TIMES)

It is a new framework between the two former Indochinese countries. The emphasis is on strategic cohesion.Vietnam's Party General Secretary To Lam's state visit early this month to the Lao People’s Democratic Republic was not headline news. On the surface, it was a symbolic visit to commemorate the 50th anniversary of the LPDR and its strengthened party-to-party relations.

Deep down, the two-day visit was highly significant, which could reshape the sub-regional order in the Mekong region.

Vietnamese Foreign Minister Le Hoai Trung told local media, reiterating that the trip was historic and opened a new chapter in their relations. Judging by the members of the delegation, which included the entire politburo’s members, it carried unusual political weight.

During his visit, Mr Lam had a tight schedule that included attending high-level meetings with the Lao People’s Revolutionary Party. In addition, he held extensive talks with President Thongloun Sisoulith and met all key Lao leaders.

He also delivered a keynote speech at the Lao National Academy of Politics and Public Administration, in which he praised the Lao People’s Revolutionary Party for the hard-won war and reform. “Over the past decades, Laos has kept political stability, improved security and gradually raised living standards. Economic reforms have helped the country move beyond isolation, diversify its economy, and strengthen self-reliance while remaining committed to its chosen development path,” he told the Academy.