Vietnam, Laos enhance defence links
Vietnam always values and gives priority to fostering friendship and special solidarity with Laos, Defence Minister Ngo Xuan Lich told his Lao counterpart Chansamon Channhalat during their talks in Hanoi on June 20 following the welcome ceremony.
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Channhalat, who is in Vietnam from June 19-22, said his choice to visit Vietnam as the first destination on his new position once again reflects Laos’ appreciation of bilateral ties, considering it an invaluable asset between the two Parties and nations that needs to be preserved, maintained and nurtured.
General Lich hailed the visit as a new driver for tightened special closeness and loyal fraternity between the two armies and peoples.
Both sides agreed to continue to fully and effectively realise contents set in the cooperation Protocol and plan, with a focus on the exchange of visits, Party and political work, training, experience sharing, search for and repatriation of the remains of Vietnamese volunteer soldiers and experts who sacrificed their lives in Laos.
The two countries will intensify collaboration between border defence forces in the fight against trans-national crimes to ensure security and safety in their border areas, as well as fight plots dividing the Vietnam-Laos traditional friendship.
In bilateral cooperation, both sides pledged to enhance discussions and consultations to reach a common voice on regional and global security issues, contributing to maintaining ASEAN’s internal solidarity and central role, for the sake of peace, stability and security in the region and the world.
During the visit, the Lao delegation is scheduled to visit Hanoi Capital High Command, High Command of Military Zone 7 and several units of the Vietnam People’s Army.
