In the flow of the traditional friendship, special solidarity, and comprehensive cooperation between the two Parties, States, and peoples of Vietnam and Laos, Hai Phong City recently solemnly welcomed a high-level delegation from Luang Prabang Province for a visit and working session. The visit, taking place from May 12 to 13, 2026, was not only an important diplomatic event but also a milestone deepening the close bond between the Port City and the beautiful ancient capital of Luang Prabang.
Welcoming Brothers from the "Land of a Million Elephants"
At the invitation and in implementation of the 2026 Foreign Affairs Plan, the Luang Prabang delegation, led by Mr. Bun Lươm Mạ Ni Vông—Member of the Central Committee of the Lao People's Revolutionary Party, Secretary of the Provincial Party Committee, and Chairman of the Provincial People's Council—visited Hai Phong. The delegation also included Mr. Chin Đa Vông Phô Sỉ Khăm—Alternate Member of the Central Committee and Vice Chairman of the Provincial Government—along with leaders of key departments such as Education and Sports, Justice, Agriculture and Environment, Finance, and Foreign Affairs.
The presence of leaders from various socio-economic sectors demonstrated that Luang Prabang highly values its relationship with Hai Phong and desires to promote substantive and in-depth cooperation. Upon arriving at the foot of the Bach Dang Bridge on the morning of May 12, the delegation received a warm and cordial welcome from the leaders of the Department of Foreign Affairs and city authorities, reflecting the hospitality of the people of the Port City.
A Journey to Explore the Heritage and Potential of the Port City
As part of the visit, the delegation engaged in meaningful field surveys. They visited the Bach Dang Giang relic site, which marks the glorious victories of the Vietnamese people, and toured the Chau Giang Orchid Garden. These activities helped the Lao delegates learn more about the history and culture of Hai Phong while providing an opportunity for both sides to exchange ideas on heritage preservation linked with sustainable tourism development.
Additionally, the delegation surveyed several golf course complexes in the city. This was an important activity for Luang Prabang—a famous tourist center in Laos—to study Hai Phong's high-end service models, thereby seeking cooperation opportunities in high-quality tourism and sports.
Vision for Cooperation in the 2026-2030 Period
The most significant highlight of the visit was the working session and courtesy call between the Luang Prabang delegation and Mr. Lê Ngọc Châu—Member of the Party Central Committee and Secretary of the Hai Phong City Party Committee—on the afternoon of May 13 at the Political-Administrative Center.
During the meeting, held in an atmosphere of sincerity and trust, leaders of both localities informed each other about their respective socio-economic situations and the results of their Party Congresses for the 2025-2030 term. A 10-minute video clip showcasing the powerful transformation of Hai Phong—a modern and dynamic port megacity—left a deep impression on the Lao delegates.
Mr. Bun Lươm Mạ Ni Vông expressed his sincere gratitude for Hai Phong's thoughtful reception and his desire to further tighten the special solidarity between the two localities. Luang Prabang proposed key cooperation directions for the future, including exchanging experiences in financial management, high-tech agricultural development, and environmental protection—fields where Hai Phong possesses significant strengths.
Sharing and Strengthening Brotherhood
A cordial reception hosted by City Party Secretary Lê Ngọc Châu at the Convention and Performance Center on the same evening concluded the delegation's official activities in Hai Phong. Meaningful diplomatic gifts were exchanged, carrying not only material value but also the warm sentiments of Hai Phong's citizens for their Lao comrades and brothers.
The City Department of Foreign Affairs successfully fulfilled its role as the focal point, coordinating smoothly with the City Party Committee Office and other departments to build the working program and ensure solemn and thoughtful protocol.
The visit once again affirmed that despite global changes, the great friendship and special solidarity between Vietnam and Laos are always preserved by generations of leaders and citizens as "the apple of one's eye". The success of this visit serves as a solid foundation for Hai Phong and Luang Prabang to enter a new term with new victories, driving the cooperative relationship between the two localities toward more substantive and effective development.