Son La and Houaphanh share traditional friendship and cooperation. In recent years, the two provinces have regularly exchanged delegations and experience in Party building, socio-economic development, national defence and security, and border management, while strengthening cooperation in education, health care and culture.

Phan La High School, whose name combines the names of Houaphanh and Son La, symbolises the solidarity and close ties between the two localities. Established in 1980, the school has consistently received attention and support from Son La through non-refundable aid to improve its facilities. Notable projects include a two-storey classroom building worth more than 5 billion VND (193,480 USD), constructed in 2003, and a new hall worth more than 1.7 billion LAK (75,600 USD), funded in 2015.

In a spirit of solidarity and friendship, leaders of the two provinces exchanged views on their respective development situations and agreed on directions for cooperation in the next period, aiming to strengthen political and external relations and safeguard a border of peace, friendship, stability, and development./.