Defence cooperation a key pillar of Vietnam-Laos special relationship

General Phan Van Giang, Politburo member, Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of National Defence, received General Khamliang Outhakaysone, Politburo member of the Lao People's Revolutionary Party, Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of National Defence, in Hanoi on June 9.

The Lao guest is accompanying Lao Prime Minister Sonexay Siphandone on his official visit to Vietnam and attendance at the third ASEAN Future Forum in Hanoi.

Congratulating General Khamliang Outhakaysone on his new position and wishing him a successful visit to Vietnam, General Phan Van Giang said defence cooperation between the two countries has continued to be carried out in a comprehensive, extensive and substantive manner.

Discussing future cooperation, he suggested both sides should focus on exchanges at all levels, particularly high-level visits, maintain existing cooperation mechanisms, strengthen cooperation in Party and political work, and coordinate preparations for the third Vietnam-Laos Border Defence Friendship Exchange, the annual meeting of the defence ministers of Vietnam, Laos and Cambodia, and a joint exercise involving the armed forces of the three countries on responding to non-traditional security challenges.

The host also proposed that the two sides direct relevant agencies to launch practical activities marking two major milestones in 2027: the 65th anniversary of diplomatic relations and the 50th anniversary of the signing of the Treaty of Amity and Cooperation between Vietnam and Laos, designated as the Vietnam-Laos Friendship and Solidarity Year.

He called for continued close coordination in the search for and repatriation of the remains of Vietnamese martyrs who died in Laos, and expressed hope that the Lao Ministry of National Defence will continue supporting these efforts.

On the occasion, Giang invited General Khamliang Outhakaysone, the Lao military and Lao defence industry enterprises to attend and display products at the third Vietnam International Defence Expo, slated for December 2026.

Accepting the invitation, General Khamliang Outhakaysone said the traditional relationship between Vietnam and Laos has always been nurtured by both sides. He noted that both defence ministries maintain regular meetings and exchanges, thereby contributing to stronger defence ties.

The two sides have achieved positive results in areas including delegation exchanges, particularly at the high level, information sharing, joint border patrols, human resource training, and coordination in the search for and repatriation of Vietnamese martyrs' remains.

General Khamliang Outhakaysone asked both defence ministries to continue carrying out agreed areas of cooperation, further deepening practical and substantive defence ties between the two countries.

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