Vietnam's Ministry of Education and Training has announced plans to introduce the Lao language into the national education system starting from the 2026-2027 school year. This initiative will begin in border areas, reflecting a commitment to strengthen cultural ties and educational cooperation between Vietnam and Laos.

The Ministry has been preparing the curriculum and teaching materials for the Lao language, with a goal to implement this program effectively in the upcoming school year. A memorandum of understanding was signed between Vietnam's Minister of Education and Training, Hoang Minh Son, and Laos' Minister of Education and Sports, Thongsalith Mangnomek, during a recent visit to Vietnam. This agreement marks a significant step in educational collaboration, enhancing the teaching of both Lao and Vietnamese languages.

The introduction of Lao language classes is part of a broader strategy to improve educational quality and cooperation between the two countries, particularly in border regions. The two ministries aim to facilitate the exchange of students, with Vietnam currently hosting around 14,000 Lao students in its educational institutions. In the 2025-2026 academic year alone, Vietnam will welcome an additional 1,300 Lao students.

Furthermore, the two countries are working together to establish the Laos-Vietnam Friendship University in Laos, which will further enhance educational ties and cultural exchanges. The ongoing collaboration in education is seen as a crucial pillar in strengthening the bilateral relationship between Vietnam and Laos, fostering mutual understanding and cooperation.