Receiving and working with the delegation were Phonesouk Inthavong, Deputy Secretary of the Party Committee and Chairman of the Administration Committee, along with leaders of departments and agencies of Houaphanh province.

On behalf of Son La province, Chairman Viet expressed his sincere thanks for the warm, thoughtful, and friendly reception extended by the host province’s authorities. He emphasised that Son La and Houaphanh share a 242-km border and a close, long-standing relationship forged throughout the history of nation-building and protection of both countries.

The two sides regularly exchange congratulatory messages on major occasions of the two countries and provinces, and maintain delegation exchanges to share experience in areas of mutual interest and cooperation. Currently, 132 students from Houaphanh are studying at educational institutions in Son La. The total import-export value between the two provinces in 2025 was estimated at 8.27 million USD. The two sides have also strengthened coordination in ensuring national defence and security, maintaining social order and safety in border areas, and supporting health care for the people.

On the occasion of Bunpimay 2026, Viet extended his best wishes to the Party Organisation, authorities, and people of all ethnic groups in Houaphanh province, wishing them a new year of greater achievements and success. He expressed confidence that the great friendship, special solidarity, comprehensive cooperation, and strategic cohesion between Vietnam and Laos, as well as between Son La and Houaphanh, will continue to be strengthened and further developed.

Welcoming Viet and his delegation to celebrate Bunpimay with the Lao people, Phonesouk Inthavong congratulated Son La province on its important achievements in recent times.

He expressed sincere thanks for the support and assistance provided by Son La province, saying this support is not only material but also a great source of spiritual encouragement, creating additional motivation for the Party Organisation and people of Houaphanh to strive for socio-economic development. This contributes to deepening and enhancing the effectiveness of the special friendship and cooperation between the Party organisations, authorities, and people of both Houaphanh and Son La provinces.