Laos Defense Minister Khamliang Outhakaysone visits Vietnam
VOV.VN - Laos Minister of National Defense Khamliang Outhakaysone on December 18 began an official visit to Vietnam where he is scheduled to attend the Vietnam International Defense Expo 2024 and celebrations marking 80 years of the Vietnam People’s Army.
General Phan Van Giang, Minister of National Defense of Vietnam, hosted a welcoming ceremony in Hanoi on December 18 for Senior Lieutenant General Khamliang Outhakaysone.
This marks Outhakaysone’s first overseas trip in his capacity as Minister of National Defense of Laos. The visit underscores Laos’ commitment to enhancing the great friendship, special solidarity, and comprehensive cooperation with Vietnam. It aims to maintain high-level engagements, strengthen strategic trust, and contribute to the success of the Vietnam International Defense Expo 2024.
Bilateral defense cooperation between Vietnam and Laos has yielded practical and significant outcomes in recent years. Relations between the two armies have grown stronger, underpinned by high political and strategic trust. The two sides have coordinated closely and supported each other at multilateral forums and events, particularly during Vietnam’s ASEAN Chairmanship in 2020 and Laos’ ASEAN Chairmanship in 2024.
Bilateral defense cooperation has expanded in scope and depth, including successful events like the second Vietnam-Laos Border Defense Friendship Exchange in October.
The deputy minister-level defense policy dialogue has played a key role in discussing strategic issues and setting priorities for cooperation. Security and order of the shared border have been steadily strengthened, while training - education has become increasingly prioritized in bilateral defense cooperation. Cooperation in the defense industry is becoming more effective.
