The document was signed following talks in Vientiane, Laos, on October 14 between Lieutenant General Khamliang Outhakaysone, Minister of National Defence of Laos, and General Phan Van Giang, Minister of National Defence of Vietnam, who is leading a high-ranking Vietnamese delegation on an official visit to Laos.

During the talks, both sides expressed satisfaction with the outcomes of defence cooperation in recent years, particularly the effective implementation of the Defence Cooperation Protocol for the 2025–2029 period and the 2025 Cooperation Plan.

The two sides have closely coordinated in promoting information and education about the great friendship between Vietnam and Laos. They have exchanged information and strategic assessments; and enhanced cooperation between military services, as well as in logistics, technical support, and the defence industry development.

Both ministers agreed that in the coming time, the two ministries will continue to strengthen coordination in communication and education on the history and significance of the Vietnam–Laos special relationship, especially among younger generations.

They will also give priority to human resource training, a long-term strategic issue, while expanding cooperation into logistics, technical affairs, and information technology infrastructure development. They will continue to support each other at multilateral forums.

Both sides vowed to maintain the mechanism of the Annual Meeting of the Ministers of National Defence of Vietnam, Laos, and Cambodia and the Joint Search and Rescue Exercise among the armed forces of the three countries, with practical and substantive contents, contributing to strengthening solidarity and close ties among the neighbouring countries.

Gen. Giang affirmed that the Ministry of National Defence of Vietnam is ready to assist and cooperate with the Lao Ministry of National Defence in organising activities to celebrate the 50th anniversary of the Lao People’s Democratic Republic (1975–2025), thereby further deepening the great friendship, special solidarity, and comprehensive cooperation between the two countries and their armed forces.

On the same day, Minister of National Defence of Vietnam Phan Van Giang paid courtesy calls on General Secretary and President of Laos Thongloun Sisoulith and Prime Minister Sonexay Siphandone.

Gen. Giang briefed the Lao leaders on recent developments in Vietnam, defence cooperation results between the two ministries, and his earlier talks with Lao Defence Minister Lieutenant General Khamliang Outhakaysone.

He expressed confidence that the Annual Meeting of Defence Ministers and the Joint Search and Rescue Exercise among Vietnam, Laos, and Cambodia would further strengthen solidarity and cooperation among the three countries and their militaries.

The Lao leaders conveyed sympathies to Vietnam over recent storm and flood losses, and expressed confidence in Vietnam’s recovery efforts.

They congratulated Vietnam on its major achievements under the leadership of the Communist Party of Vietnam, and affirmed that Laos treasures its special solidarity with Vietnam and appreciated Vietnam’s timely and effective support.

Both sides agreed to continue close coordination in implementing cooperation programmes and protocols, keeping defence cooperation as a key pillar of the great friendship and comprehensive partnership between Laos and Vietnam.

Vietnam, Laos push ahead with cooperation projects

VOV.VN - Deputy Prime Minister Nguyen Chi Dung on October 3 chaired a meeting in Hanoi with ministries, agencies, localities and enterprises to review progress in Vietnam-Laos cooperation projects.