Vietnamese Prime Minister Le Minh Hung has officially commenced his visit to the Lao People's Democratic Republic, following an invitation from Lao Prime Minister Saleumxay Kommasith. The visit, which takes place from October 8 to 9, 2026, is seen as a significant step in reinforcing the ties between Vietnam and Laos.

The official welcoming ceremony took place at the Prime Minister's Office in Vientiane on the afternoon of October 8. Prime Minister Saleumxay Kommasith greeted Prime Minister Le Minh Hung and his high-level delegation with a warm reception, accompanied by military honors and the national anthems of both countries.

During the ceremony, the two leaders exchanged pleasantries and introduced their respective delegations. Following the welcoming event, they proceeded to hold discussions aimed at enhancing cooperation between the two nations. The talks are expected to cover various aspects of their bilateral relationship, including political, economic, and security matters.

One of the main focuses of the discussions will be on expanding economic, trade, and investment collaboration. The two countries aim to increase their bilateral trade volume, which currently stands at approximately $1.3 billion, with a target of reaching $5 billion and eventually $10 billion in the coming years. This ambitious goal reflects a strong commitment to deepening economic ties and overcoming existing administrative barriers to facilitate trade.

Additionally, the leaders will address the importance of cooperation in defense and security, which has historically been a cornerstone of their relationship. They will also explore ways to enhance connectivity in transport, logistics, energy, and telecommunications, which are crucial for landlocked Laos to leverage Vietnam's economic advantages.

Furthermore, the visit provides an opportunity for both leaders to share their visions on regional and international issues of mutual concern, emphasizing the importance of solidarity and cooperation within multilateral forums such as ASEAN and the United Nations. The collaboration between Vietnam and Laos is vital for maintaining peace and stability in the region.