Vietnam's Minister of Culture, Sports and Tourism, Lam Thi Phuong Thanh, met with Lao Minister of Culture and Tourism, Suonsavan Vignaket, in Vientiane, Laos and discussed the review of their partnership from 2021 to 2025 and planned the agenda for 2026 to 2030.
Both parties highlighted significant and positive achievements in cultural and tourism collaboration from 2021 to 2025.
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They mentioned the successful cultural weeks held in each country and cultural and art events celebrating important milestones of the two Parties and nations.
Additionally, they noted the successful implementation of agreements made by the leaders, which further strengthened the unique relationship between Vietnam and Laos. The ministers exchanged their experiences in managing culture and tourism and suggested directions, initiatives, and specific solutions to enhance collaboration in the upcoming years, especially during the Viet Nam – Laos Friendship and Solidarity Year 2027.
They concurred that from 2026 to 2030, the cultural and tourism connections would further strengthen the profound friendship, exceptional solidarity, extensive cooperation, and strategic alignment between the two countries.
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Increasing exchanges of delegations, hosting cultural and artistic events, organizing cultural weeks, and holding music performances that highlight the unique identities of each nation were identified as ways to boost collaboration in preserving heritage and to share expertise in the management of historical sites, museums, and libraries. Collaborative workforce development through scholarships, educational programs, and strengthened partnerships between cultural and arts institutions will enhance the representation of Viet Nam and Laos' people and cultures.
This will foster mutual comprehension and strengthen connections between individuals, while establishing a foundation for sustainable and broad-based cooperation in the new era. Wrapping up the discussions, both parties agreed to and signed the cultural and tourism cooperation plan between Vietnam and Laos for the years 2026–2030.
Later that afternoon, Thanh made a formal visit to Phet Phomphiphak, the Chief of the Office of the Lao People's Revolutionary Party Central Committee, in Vientiane. That evening, the two ministers led the opening of the Vietnam Cultural Week 2026 in Laos, which began in Vientiane and marked the start of a series of cultural and arts events planned to run until May 16.
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In her initial statements, Thanh mentioned that the puppetry shows throughout the week, particularly the traditional Vietnamese water puppetry, would showcase the unique identity of a culture developed over thousands of years to Lao audiences and convey the vision of a welcoming and energetic Vietnam fueled by significant development goals.
Vinhaket mentioned that the performances featured during the 2026 Viet Nam Cultural Week in Laos showcase the enduring and strong connections between the two Parties, States, and their cultural ministries.
The cultural week is taking place as both countries further solidify their strategic unity, in accordance with agreements made by their leaders, the Resolution 09/NQ-CP released by the Vietnamese Government on April 6, 2026, and results from the 48th meeting of the Vietnam-Lao Inter-Governmental Committee on Bilateral Cooperation.