In the sound of ceremonial military music, Prime Minister Le Minh Hung personally welcomed his Lao counterpart upon arrival. After receiving bouquets from Hanoi children, the two leaders walked along the red carpet to the ceremonial platform.

Under the national flags of Vietnam and Laos, the two countries’ national anthems were played as the Prime Ministers and distinguished guests attended the flag-saluting ceremony.

Prime Minister Le Minh Hung then invited Prime Minister Sonexay Siphandone to inspect the Guard of Honour of the Vietnam People's Army.

Following the welcome ceremony, the two prime ministers led their respective high-level delegations in talks to review bilateral cooperation achievements and discuss directions for future collaboration.

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Vietnam–Laos relations continue to deepen, underpinned by a unique bond of trust and solidarity. Economic, trade and investment cooperation has recorded strong progress in recent years.

Vietnam currently has 276 investment projects in Laos with a combined registered capital of approximately US$6.21 billion, making it the second-largest foreign investor in the country. Bilateral trade reached nearly US$3 billion in 2025, up 32.7 percent from 2024. The two countries are working toward increasing two-way trade to between US$5 billion and US$10 billion in the coming years.

The two sides have also completed procedures for local-currency settlements and established a bilateral retail payment system using QR codes.

Vietnam and Laos have coordinated on a number of symbolic cultural projects, including the Laos–Vietnam Friendship Park in Vientiane, the recognition of the Hồ Chí Minh Trail in Laos as a national historical site, and joint efforts to preserve the transboundary heritage areas of Phong Nha–Kẻ Bàng and Hin Nam No.