Vietnam and Laos effectively implement defense cooperation mechanisms

They will also improve the efficiency of the Defense Policy Dialogue and make contributions to the annual trilateral meeting of the Defense Ministers of Vietnam, Laos, and Cambodia.

The two sides will work closely together to improve the quality of cooperation in training, human resource development, and border management, while strengthening cooperation and coordination at international forums.

The agreements were reached during talks in Hanoi on December 18 between General Phan Van Giang, Vietnam’s Minister of National Defense, and Senior Lieutenant General Khamliang Outhakaysone, Minister of National Defense of Laos.

General Giang congratulated Laos on the successful organization of the ASEAN Defense Ministers’ Meeting (ADMM), the ASEAN Defense Ministers’ Meeting Plus (ADMM+), and other meetings between ASEAN defense ministers and their partners.

These events, he said, have made significant contributions to the success of Laos’ ASEAN Chairmanship in 2024, further strengthening ASEAN’s solidarity and central role, and elevating Laos’ international stature.

General Outhakaysone, for his part, extended congratulations to the Vietnam People’s Army (VPA) on its 80th founding anniversary, emphasizing that over the past eight decades, the VPA has grown stronger and it would record continued robust development in the coming decades.

He affirmed that this is his first overseas visit as Minister of National Defense that underscores Laos’ commitment to strengthening the great friendship, special solidarity, and comprehensive cooperation with Vietnam.

Both sides recognized the significant and substantive achievements in Vietnam-Laos defense cooperation, which remains a cornerstone of bilateral relations.

Over five years of implementing the 2020–2024 cooperation agreement, they said the two sides have achieved remarkable outcomes, characterized by strengthened political and strategic trust, thus consolidating solidarity between the two militaries.

They have broadened cooperation mechanisms and diversified forms of collaboration. They have enhanced security and order along the shared border, and prioritized training and development of human resources.

The two defense chiefs praised the successful organization of the second Vietnam-Laos Border Defense Friendship Exchange in October 2024 which helped to foster positive sentiments of solidarity and mutual support among the two countries’ Parties, States, militaries, governments, and citizens, further highlighting the close ties between Vietnam and Laos.

Both leaders reaffirmed their commitment to further advancing defense cooperation as a critical pillar of the Vietnam-Laos special relationship, ensuring lasting peace, security, and development in the region.

After the talks, the two Defense Ministers witnessed the signing of a Memorandum of Understanding on Cooperation in Military Legislation, marking a significant step forward in the comprehensive cooperation between the two militaries.

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.

The Vietnam International Defense Expo 2024 is scheduled to take place at Gia Lam airfield on the outskirts of Hanoi from December 19-22.