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Vietnamese Ambassador to Laos Nguyen Minh Tam (Photo: VNA)

Vietnam, Laos move to operationalize “strategic cohesion” in bilateral ties: diplomat

The upcoming official visit to Laos by Politburo member and Permanent member of the Party Central Committee’s Secretariat Tran Cam Tu is expected to inject fresh momentum into Vietnam – Laos ties as both sides move to operationalize the “strategic cohesion” in their relations into concrete cooperation programs, Vietnamese Ambassador to Laos Nguyen Minh Tam has stated.

The visit on April 9 will be made at the invitation of Politburo member and Permanent member of the Secretariat of the Lao People's Revolutionary Party Central Committee Vilay Lakhamphong.

In a recent interview granted to the Vietnam News Agency, Ambassador Tam said that high-level mutual visits shortly following leadership transitions have become a hallmark of Vietnam – Laos relations, reflecting a rare and enduring bond forged through shared history, ideals and long-standing solidarity.

According to the diplomat, the trip comes at a pivotal time, following historic events like the national congress of each Party, the general elections in the two countries, and the state visits by the countries’ Party General Secretaries, which opened a new phase of development with important strategic goals and orientations. As the first visit to Laos by a key Vietnamese leader after the 14th National Party Congress and the new leadership election in each country, it demonstrates the profound political significance, continuity, and unceasing development of the special bilateral solidarity.

The visit hightlights the special political trust between the two Parties, States and peoples, as well as the Vietnamese Party and State's consistent policy of giving the top strategic priority to relations with Laos. Amid rapidly evolving and complex global and regional developments, it reaffirms the importance and strategic significance of bilateral ties, which need to be further strengthened and nurtured to grow in a more substantive and effective manner across all fields.

Besides, he noted, the visit is expected to deepen Party-to-Party cooperation, particularly in Party building and rectification, political system development, defense and security, and international integration. Increased theory exchanges will not only improve leadership capacity but also help consolidate the ideological foundation and strengthen strategic adaptability in the face of external changes.

The visit will also provide an opportunity to review the implementation of high-level agreements, joint statements and bilateral cooperation frameworks; and to share information and exchange experience in effectively implementing the major orientations set by the Party congress of each nation.

Through talks and meetings, the two sides will discuss and agree on directions for advancing comprehensive cooperation and further deepening the substance of “strategic cohesion” in Vietnam – Laos relations, Tam said.

Ambassador Tam stressed that a central task at present is to translate the "strategic cohesion" into concrete programs with clear priorities, roadmaps and implementation mechanisms, thereby creating new breakthroughs and delivering tangible progress in bilateral cooperation. Particular emphasis will be placed on boosting economic, trade and investment partnerships, especially through stronger connectivity in institutional frameworks, transport infrastructure and energy, he said.

The diplomat added that the two sides are also expected to share experience in macroeconomic stability maintenance, socio-economic development and building of more self-reliant yet globally integrated economies, towards generating tangible improvements and gradually elevating economic cooperation on par with the special political relationship between the two countries.

The timing of the visit, just ahead of Laos’ traditional New Year festival Bun Pi May, also highlights the close-knit and fraternal ties between the two countries, further strengthening mutual understanding and solidarity between the countries' Party and State leaders, the ambassador noted.

The trip also offers a chance to further promote cooperation in culture and education, as well as people-to-people exchanges, he went on, adding that priority should be given to educating young people about the historical values and strategic significance of Vietnam – Laos relations, considersing this as a key factor in ensuring the continuity and sustainable development of the special relationship in the future.

Looking ahead, Tam pointed to the importance of the upgraded bilateral ties, agreed during the December 2025 visit to Laos by Party General Secretary To Lam, when the two sides added “strategic cohesion ” to their long-standing relationship defined by “great friendship, special solidarity and comprehensive cooperation”.

This new dimension, he said, provides a strong impetus for developing bilateral relations in a more substantive and sustainable manner, reflecting a shared vision, intertwined strategic interests, and an orientation of long-term partnership toward sustainable development, self-reliance, and shared prosperity for both nations, cited VNA.

To effectively realize this framework, he outlined several priorities, starting with maintaining the highest level of political trust through regular high-level exchanges and effective use of bilateral cooperation mechanisms; ensuring unity in both perception and action on strategic issues related to each country’s security and development; increasing exchanges on theory, practice, information and experience in the Party and political system building; and coordinating in implementing breakthrough initiatives in socio-economic development, macroeconomic stabilisation, international integration, and new issues set out by each Party congress.

Economic cooperation, he said, must become a true pillar of the strategic cohesion, with breakthroughs in trade, investment and infrastructure development, with a focus on connectivity in institutions, transport, energy and logistics infrastructure, as well as telecommunications and tourism, alongside the implementation of key investment projects with strong spillover effects.

At the same time, Vietnam’s investment in Laos should be enhanced in both quality and sustainability, with a stronger focus on technology transfer, human resources development and tangible contributions to Laos’ socio-economic development, the diplomat said.

New areas such as the digital economy, green transition, renewable energy and high-tech agriculture should also be further enhanced to create new growth drivers.

Defense and security cooperation will continue to serve as a pillar of bilateral ties, helping maintain political stability, public order and social safety, Tam said, noting that closer coordination in border management and responses to transnational crime and non-traditional security challenges will underpin a favourable environment for peace, stability and sustainable development in each country.

In addition, the two sides should also strengthen training and capacity-building for officials, expand people-to-people exchanges and promote greater awareness among the public, especially younger generations, of the special Vietnam – Laos relations, he continued.

Finally, it is necessary to reinforce coordination effectiveness at regional and international forums, particularly within ASEAN and Mekong sub-regional mechanisms. The continuation of close coordination and mutual support in strategic issues will further elevate the two countries’ position and role while contributing to peace, stability, cooperation and development in the region, he noted.

The effective implementation of “strategic cohesion” will inject stronger and more substantive momentum into Vietnam – Laos relations in the new development phase, an objective requirement based on both sides' interests and also a continuity of their special solidarity.

The diplomat expressed his belief that with strong political determination of both countries' Party and State leaders, together with consensus of the two peoples, the great friendship, special solidarity, comprehensive cooperation and strategic cohesion between Vietnam and Laos will reach a new height that is more substantive and sustainable.

Vietnam, Cambodia set sights on comprehensive breakthrough in bilateral ties: Ambassador

Vietnam and Cambodia are confident of achieving a comprehensive breakthrough in bilateral relations in the evolving regional and global landscape, as the upcoming official visit to Cambodia by Politburo member and Permanent member of the Party Central Committee’s Secretariat Tran Cam Tu is expected to further consolidate political trust and drive substantive cooperation, a diplomat has stated.

Talking to Vietnam News Agency correspondents in Phnom Penh ahead of the visit, which is slated for April 10, Vietnamese Ambassador to Cambodia Nguyen Minh Vu said the solidarity between the two Parties and countries - nurtured through the shared vision and determination of their leaders - provides a firm basis for confidence in a more comprehensive, effective, and substantive breakthrough in bilateral cooperation between the two countries in the new context.

According to the diplomat, the visit takes place amid complex and unpredictable developments in the region and the world, while bilateral ties have continued to be reinforced and deepened in a more substantive and effective manner.

He described the trip as particularly significant as it marks the first overseas visit by Tu in his capacity as a key leader of the Party and State following the 14th National Congress of the Communist Party of Vietnam (CPV) and the consolidation of the country’s leadership. This, he noted, demonstrates Vietnam’s consistent priority in consolidating and advancing its traditional friendship and cooperation with Cambodia.

The visit also coincides with the lead-up to Cambodia’s traditional New Year, during which the senior Party official is expected to convey New Year greetings from Vietnamese Party and State leaders to Cambodian leaders and people.

A key focus of the visit will be to review and advance the implementation of agreements reached by leaders of the two Parties and States during their high-level meeting in Phnom Penh in February, held on the occasion of the State visit to Cambodia by Party General Secretary To Lam.

Tu is scheduled to hold talks and meetings with leaders of the Cambodian People’s Party (CPP), the Senate, the National Assembly and the Government of Cambodia, alongside other important activities.

Reflecting on nearly six decades of diplomatic relations, established on June 24, 1967, Vu highlighted the enduring solidarity between the two nations, forged through mutual support during times of hardship. Cambodian leaders, he noted, have consistently expressed gratitude to Vietnamese volunteer soldiers for helping the country overcome the Khmer Rouge genocide, while Vietnamese leaders have acknowledged the valuable support and sacrifices of the Cambodian people during Vietnam’s struggle for southern liberation and national reunification.

Over the past 59 years, the relationship has been continuously strengthened under the guiding principle of “good neighbourliness, traditional friendship, comprehensive cooperation and long-term sustainability,” delivering tangible benefits to the two countries’ peoples. Political and diplomatic ties remain the cornerstone, with regular all-level exchanges and effective bilateral cooperation mechanisms across channels.

In particular, the annual high-level meeting mechanism between the Politburo of the CPV Central Committee and the Standing Committee of the CPP Central Committee has become a hallmark of bilateral cooperation, contributing to reinforcing political trust and aligning long-term cooperation directions between Vietnam and Cambodia, according to VNA.

Vietnamese Ambassador to Cambodia Nguyen Minh Vu (left) in an interview with a Vietnam News Agency correspondent in Phnom Penh (Photo: VNA)

The two sides have also maintained close coordination at regional and international forums, as well as within trilateral mechanisms involving Vietnam, Laos and Cambodia, thereby demonstrating their shared consensus and responsibility in maintaining peace, stability, and development in the region and the world.

According to the diplomat, defense and security cooperation continues to serve as a key pillar of the relationship. The two countries remain committed to the principle of not allowing any hostile forces to use one country’s territory to undermine the other’s security and interest. This cooperation has played an important role in maintaining political stability, safeguarding border security and effectively combating transnational crimes such as smuggling, drug trafficking and human trafficking.

Based on treaties, agreements reached by the two countries’ high-ranking leaders, relevant agencies, authorities, and border communities on both sides have worked to build a shared border of peace, friendship, cooperation, and development. The two sides have signed two legal documents recognising the completion of approximately 84% of land border demarcation and marker planting, with ongoing negotiations to resolve the remaining sections.

Economic, trade and investment cooperation has become a key driver of bilateral ties, with trade hitting a record 11.33 billion USD in 2025. Vietnam is among Cambodia’s top investors and trading partners, laying a solid foundation for both countries to move toward their 20 billion USD trade target.

Education and human resource development remain strategic priorities, alongside growing cooperation in vocational training. In healthcare, the two sides maintain close collaboration through medical support, cross-border treatment, and joint responses to epidemics and natural disasters.

People-to-people exchanges continue to expand, with strong tourism flows and active local and youth cooperation helping to reinforce grassroots ties and long-term friendship.

Vietnam was the largest source of tourists to Cambodia in 2025, while increasing numbers of Cambodians are visiting Vietnam, he said, adding that relations between localities, exchanges between youth, friendship and mass organisations have helped nurture strong grassroots bonds of friendship, creating a solid social foundation for long-term friendship between the two nations.

The close ties and coordination between the two countries help strengthen solidarity within the Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN), and serve as an important factor in bringing prosperity and well-being to their peoples.

Vu emphasized that Party-to-Party diplomacy plays a central, guiding role in the overall bilateral relationship. The close ties between the CPV and the CPP form a solid political foundation and act as a “strategic anchor” for cooperation across all sectors.

He noted that strong political trust between the two Parties and countries has enabled both sides to address outstanding issues in a spirit of solidarity, sincerity and mutual support, while aligning strategic visions that are later implemented by ministries, sectors and localities.

Given the nearly 60-year history of close relations and the increasingly complex global context, the ambassador underscored that the solidarity nurtured by generations of leaders and peoples remains an invaluable asset that must be preserved and promoted.

He expressed confidence that, with shared vision and resolve, Vietnam and Cambodia are well positioned to achieve a more comprehensive, substantive and effective breakthrough in their comprehensive cooperation in the time to come.

Vietnam-China cooperation mechanism boosts market access for Vietnamese firms

The “7+8” cooperation mechanism in the Red River basin is opening up new avenues for Vietnamese enterprises to penetrate the Chinese market.

Strengthening infrastructure connections, modernising logistics, and promoting official export channels are key solutions to enable Vietnamese goods to enter the world’s most populous market sustainably.

Expanding connectivity, unlocking cross-border logistics

To boost trade and expand economic development in the Red River basin, Vietnam and China have established a cooperation mechanism involving seven Chinese provinces and eight Vietnamese provinces, known as the “7+8” cooperation framework. This initiative aims to connect infrastructure, trade, and logistics in the Red River basin.

Nguyen Thi Thu Thuy, deputy director of the Trade Promotion and Investment Support Center under the Vietnam Trade Promotion Agency at the Ministry of Industry and Trade, stated that the cooperation framework is opening up new development opportunities, especially in key strategic areas. She emphasised that the crucial factor for enhancing the competitiveness of Vietnamese businesses is the construction of a modern and integrated logistics system.

Currently, cross-border transport infrastructure projects are being accelerated, such as the new road bridge connecting Bat Xat (Vietnam) and Ba Sai (China) and the high-speed railway system through Lao Cai border gate. These strategic connections are forming a modern “logistics artery,” which will significantly reduce transportation costs and make the Red River basin an efficient corridor between Vietnam and China, VOV reported.

Vietnamese and Chinese businesses participate in a B2B matching session.

According to Nguyen Huy Tuong, deputy director of the Lao Cai Department of Industry and Trade, the biggest bottleneck remains logistics and preservation. Support for building specialized warehouses, particularly for processed products, will clearly expand export opportunities.

Beyond infrastructure, the trend of relocating high-tech supply chains presents substantial opportunities. As China shifts toward green and smart manufacturing, Vietnam can attract high-quality investments, especially in electronics and semiconductors, creating a cross-border industrial ecosystem.

Turning potential into concrete results

To effectively access China’s domestic market, which demands clean products, Vietnamese businesses are increasingly adopting official export channels and improving quality standards. Harmonising technical standards and conducting border inspections are essential measures to reduce time and costs, turning provinces such as Lai Chau and Lao Cai into “green supply zones” for Chinese partners.

Alongside key agricultural products like tea, rubber, and medicinal herbs, Vietnam can also participate in high-tech supply chains in electronics and semiconductors as China transitions to smart manufacturing. The boom of e-commerce and digital platforms further enables data-driven trade promotion, connecting supply and demand in real time while supporting businesses in protecting their brands locally and reaching end consumers directly.

From the business perspective, Tran Thi Thu Hang, general director of Vietnam Agricultural and Food Import-Export JSC, expressed her desire to find Chinese distribution partners to introduce Vietnamese products such as pho, rice noodles, and dried flat rice cakes to Chinese consumers, while also seeking brand protection support.

Meanwhile, Tran Ngoc The, director of Cao Loi Hung Vietnam JSC – northern branch, noted that the 7+8 cooperation mechanism helped the company connect with three Chinese partners, two of which are highly promising. The parties are currently completing procedures to exchange samples and move toward contract signing.

“Through the 7+8 cooperation program, some businesses have already made initial connections or reached near cooperation agreements within the program’s framework. Moreover, some companies have already secured orders and established partnerships,” said Thu Thuy, the trade official at the Ministry of Industry and Trade.

With synchronised infrastructure, policies, and business connections, Vietnam-China economic cooperation in the Red River basin is entering a new stage, where opportunities are not merely potential but are gradually turning into tangible benefits for the business communities of both countries.

Peacekeeping department told to select high-quality personnel for UN missions

Vietnam is stepping up preparations to ensure its personnel are ready to take on senior roles in United Nations peacekeeping missions and at UN Headquarters, focusing on selecting high-quality officers who meet all necessary criteria.

Senior Lieutenant General Nguyen Truong Thang, Deputy Minister of National Defense, made the call on Tuesday while attending a conference to review the Vietnam Department of Peacekeeping Operations’ missions and set tasks for 2026.

He praised the department and relevant units for their effective preparation and deployment of Vietnamese forces to UN peacekeeping missions, helping create a strong international impression and enhancing the standing of the country and the Vietnam People’s Army.

Thang noted that the department had performed well in managing, commanding, directing and operating forces both within and outside missions, ensuring strict discipline, security and safety while successfully completing assigned tasks.

The department had also coordinated with relevant agencies and units to provide sound advice to the Central Military Commission and the Ministry of National Defense on participation in UN peacekeeping activities.

It had worked closely with ministries, sectors and military units to help complete the legal framework for Vietnam’s participation in UN peacekeeping operations, notably the adoption of the Law on Participation in UN Peacekeeping Operations.

To ensure effective implementation of peacekeeping tasks in the coming years, particularly through 2026, Senior Lieutenant General Thang requested the department to continue taking the lead, in coordination with relevant agencies and units, in carrying out assigned tasks.

Priority should be given to training and comprehensive preparation for Engineering Company Rotation 5 and Level-2 Field Hospital Rotation 8 to ensure readiness for scheduled deployment, along with well-organised send-off ceremonies, he said.

He asked the External Relations Department under the Ministry of National Defense to coordinate with the Vietnam Department of Peacekeeping Operations, the United Nations and international partners to support capacity building for Vietnamese peacekeeping forces and to promote the signing, renewal and upgrading of memoranda of understanding on UN peacekeeping cooperation with partner countries.

Relevant agencies and units were asked to prepare qualified personnel for peacekeeping participation and organise professional and specialized training, ensuring deployment readiness upon decision, VNS reported.

Photo: VNS

According to Major General Phạm Mạnh Thang, director of the Vietnam Department of Peacekeeping Operations, since May 2014, the Ministry of National Defense has deployed more than 1,300 officers and professional soldiers to UN peacekeeping missions in both individual and unit-based formats. All deployed personnel have performed well, maintained discipline and received high evaluations.

Under individual deployments, 149 officers have served in three UN peacekeeping missions, at UN Headquarters in the United States, the UN Liaison Office in Belgium and the European Union Training Mission.

Vietnam has sent seven Level-2 Field Hospitals rotating annually to UNMISS (South Sudan) since 2018, and four Engineering Companies rotating annually to UNISFA (Abyei area) since 2022.

The Vietnam Department of Peacekeeping Operations has advised on the signing of 11 international cooperation agreements, maintained effective cooperation with the UN, the European Union and partners, and received more than US$20 million in international support for training and capacity building.

Da Nang to welcome surge of international tourists from key markets

In the first three months of 2026, Russia ranked third among Vietnam’s inbound markets with more than 367,000 arrivals, up 294.5% year on year. The market is expected to continue growing strongly this year, with Da Nang, Nha Trang, Phu Quoc, and Phan Thiet identified as key destinations for Russian tourists.

On April 16, Da Nang International Airport is scheduled to welcome a charter flight from Vladivostok carrying approximately 220 passengers, marking the launch of a new charter program by Anex Tour Vietnam. The program will connect Da Nang with eight cities across Russia, the CIS, and Belarus through October 2026. The company’s summer schedule alone is expected to bring around 25,000 international visitors to the city, with up to 36 flights per month.

Da Nang has stepped up promotion in Russia and CIS markets, including the 32nd International Travel & Hospitality Exhibition (MITT 2026) Moscow in March 2026. Visitors from these markets typically stay longer, averaging 6–9 nights, and prefer 3–5 star accommodation. The charter programs are set to boost local tourism growth while strengthening Da Nang’s image as a modern, safe and attractive beach destination.

Despite global aviation volatility and fuel shortages, airlines and tour operators said they would maintain plans to operate flights from Russia to Da Nang, Nha Trang and Phu Quoc throughout 2026, cited VOV.

A delegation from the Da Nang Department of Culture, Sports and Tourism attend the MITT Moscow 2026 at the Crocus Expo International Exhibition Centre from March 11 to 13.

Beyond Da Nang, Anex Tour Vietnam is also bringing visitors from Russia and CIS countries to Nha Trang ward of Khanh Hoa province and Phan Thiet ward of Lam Dong province. Khanh Hoa is expected to attract around 180,000 visitors from these markets during the summer of 2026. Nationwide, Anex Tour Vietnam plans to bring more than 200,000 visitors from Russia and other markets to Vietnam between April and October 2026, with an average of about 241 flights per month.

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