Laos and Vietnam are two neighbouring countries with a time-honoured relationship. The two peoples have lived and done business together; always unite and help each other like brothers and sisters, sharing both joy and sorrow; as well as together defend, build and develop their countries.

The great friendship, special solidarity, and cooperation between Laos and Vietnam which was founded by Vietnamese President Ho Chi Minh and Lao Presidents Kaysone Phomvihane and Souphanouvong and nurtured by generations of the two countries’ leaders and peoples, has become a special, exemplary, pure and rare relationship.

Laos and Vietnam formally established diplomatic relations on September 5, 1962. Since the establishment, the Lao PDR has appointed the 13 Extraordinary and Plenipotentiary Ambassadors of the Lao PDR to Vietnam as follows:

• 21/02/1963: H.E. Mr. Pheng Norlin, Ambassador Extraordinary and Plenipotentiary.

• 1973-1975: H.E. Mr. Khamphai Boupha, Head of the Lao Patriotic Front Agency, Ambassador Extraordinary and Plenipotentiary.

• 1976-1978: H.E. Mr. Khamta Duangthongla, Ambassador Extraordinary and Plenipotentiary of the Lao PDR to the Socialist Republic of Vietnam, Former Deputy Minister of Foreign Affairs.

• 1979-1983: H.E. Mr. Khampheuan Tounalom, Ambassador Extraordinary and Plenipotentiary of the Lao PDR to the Socialist Republic of Vietnam.

• 1984-1987: H.E. Mr. Bouasy Chalernsouk, Ambassador Extraordinary and Plenipotentiary of the Lao PDR to the Socialist Republic of Vietnam.

• 1987-1991: H.E. Mr. Khamphet Phengmeuang, Ambassador Extraordinary and Plenipotentiary of the Lao PDR to the Socialist Republic of Vietnam, Former Vice Chairman of Commission for External Relations of the Central Committee of Lao PRP.

• 1992-1995: H.E. Mr. Khamsing Sayakone, Ambassador Extraordinary and Plenipotentiary of the Lao PDR to the Socialist Republic of Vietnam.

• 1996-2002: H.E. Mr. Vilayvan Phomkhe, Ambassador Extraordinary and Plenipotentiary of the Lao PDR to the Socialist Republic of Vietnam, Former Vice Chairman of Commission for External Relations of the Central Committee of Lao PRP.

• 2003 - Apr 2007: H.E. Mr. Bounthone Sengkhammy, Ambassador Extraordinary and Plenipotentiary of the Lao PDR to the Socialist Republic of Vietnam, Former Deputy Minister of Education.

• May 2007 - Aug 2011: H.E. Mrs. Sounthone Xayachack, Ambassador Extraordinary and Plenipotentiary of the Lao PDR to the Socialist Republic of Vietnam, Former Deputy Minister of Foreign Affairs, Former Chairwoman of Commission for External Relations of the Central Committee of Lao PRP, Vice President of Lao National Assembly.

• Aug 2011 - Nov 2015: H.E. Mr. Somphone Sichalern, Ambassador Extraordinary and Plenipotentiary of the Lao PDR to the Socialist Republic of Vietnam, Vice Chairman of Commission for External Relations of the Central Committee of Lao PRP.

• Nov 2015 - Oct 2019: H.E. Mr. Thongsavanh Phomvihane, Ambassador Extraordinary and Plenipotentiary of the Lao PDR to the Socialist Republic of Vietnam, Former Deputy Minister of Foreign Affairs, Chairman of Commission for External Relations of the Central Committee of Lao PRP.

• Oct 2019 – Present: H.E. Mr. Sengphet Houngbounnguang, Ambassador Extraordinary and Plenipotentiary of the Lao PDR to the Socialist Republic of Vietnam, Former Deputy Minister of Foreign Affairs.