The team, led by Deputy Minister Senior Lieutenant General Nguyen Truong Thang, inspected key venues and preparations for activities, including the reception and farewell ceremonies for the Chinese defence delegation at Mong Cai International Border Gate, a border marker salutation and friendship tree-planting event, the groundbreaking of the Hai Son commune Friendship Health Station, visits to the Tran Phu High School and Tra Co Border Guard Station, as well as arrangements for the talks between the two countries’ defence ministers.

They also assessed the deployment of personnel and equipment, reception formations, ceremonial setups and protocol work, along with coordination among participating forces. On-site checks indicated that preparations are largely on track, meeting requirements for progress, quality and overall planning.

Praising the proactive and responsible efforts by the agencies and units involved, Thang highlighted their thorough planning, close coordination and synchronised implementation in ensuring overall readiness.

He stressed that the exchange is a key defence diplomacy event, helping to reinforce solidarity and friendship between Vietnam and China while enhancing cooperation between the two militaries, border guard forces and local authorities along the shared frontier.

The Deputy Minister called on relevant units to finalise outstanding tasks promptly, with particular focus on reception arrangements, ceremonial presentation and inter-agency coordination to ensure the programme runs smoothly and on schedule.

He also underscored the need for full readiness in logistics, health care, security and safety, along with contingency plans, and urged close coordination with local authorities to guarantee the best possible conditions for the event’s success.

Border friendship exchange enhances Vietnam-China defence links

VOV.VN - The 9th Vietnam-China Border Defence Friendship Exchange officially kicked off on April 16 at the Huu Nghi International Border Gate in Lang Son province, with a greeting ceremony and the marking of milestone 1116, conducted by General Phan Van Giang and a high-ranking delegation from the Vietnam Ministry of National Defence.