Vietnam, Laos and Cambodia strengthen joint disaster response capabilities
VOV.VN - The armed forces of Vietnam, Laos and Cambodia have strengthened their coordination in disaster response through a joint civil defence exercise focused on major emergencies, including super typhoons, flooding, building collapses and hazardous chemical leaks.
The 2026 Joint Civil Defence Exercise took place at Engineer Brigade 249 in Hanoi on October 14, bringing together personnel from the three countries to practise coordinated responses to major disasters and other emergencies.
Addressing the opening ceremony, Vietnamese Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of National Defence General Phan Van Giang said the exercise demonstrated the three militaries’ strong commitment to working together to address non-traditional security challenges, protect lives and property, and safeguard the peaceful lives of their people.
He noted that climate change, natural disasters, epidemics and environmental incidents have become shared global concerns, making stronger civil defence capabilities an urgent priority for individual countries and an important contribution to regional security.
The exercise also provided an opportunity for the three militaries to exchange experience and improve their ability to coordinate in responding to emergencies and disasters that cross national borders, Gen. Giang said.
Three militaries practise responses to major disasters
The exercise involved the Vietnam People’s Army, with engineering, air defence and air force, chemical, communications, military medical and border guard units taking part alongside the Lao People’s Army and the Royal Cambodian Armed Forces.
The programme comprised two phases - preparations for a super-typhoon disaster and practical response operations.
Training scenarios included establishing a joint command post and assigning tasks, coordinating emergency operations, rescuing people from flooded areas, deploying a field hospital, responding to collapsed structures, and dealing with leaks and the release of hazardous chemicals.
These scenarios tested the participating forces’ ability to coordinate command, search and rescue, medical support and specialised emergency response under demanding conditions.
The exercise concluded with the participating forces completing the programme as planned, with safety maintained throughout the process. Its outcomes are expected to help improve command and coordination capabilities and strengthen cooperation among the three militaries in humanitarian assistance and disaster relief, particularly in responding to large-scale emergencies.
The exercise also reaffirmed the traditional friendship and solidarity among Vietnam, Laos and Cambodia, supporting their shared efforts to maintain regional stability and promote peace, cooperation and development.
Lao Defence Minister visits Vietnam for border defence friendship exchange
VOV.VN - Lao Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of National Defence Gen. Khamliang Outhakaysone arrived in Vietnam on July 10 to participate in the third Vietnam–Laos Border Defence Friendship Exchange.
