(KPL/VNA) Vietnamese Deputy Minister of National Defence Sen. Lieut. Gen Hoang Xuan Chien held a working session with his Lao counterpart Vongkham Phommakon in Vientiane on October 9.

Chien is accompanying Prime Minister Pham Minh Chinh to the 44th and 45th ASEAN Summits and related meetings.

Both sides lauded the robust bilateral defence ties that have flourished over the years, highlighting their positive contributions to maintaining peace, stability, and development in both countries. This cooperation has further solidified the great friendship, special solidarity, and comprehensive cooperation between the Parties, States, armies, and people of Vietnam and Laos.

They shared updates on preparations for the second Vietnam-Laos Border Defence Friendship Exchange, scheduled to take place in Vietnam’s northern Son La province and Laos’ Houaphanh province from October 22-23.

Host and guest agreed to co-chair a final rehearsal and inspection on October 21 to ensure the activities proceed smoothly, contributing to the success of the exchange.

The officials also reached a consensus on key upcoming activities, including the annual meeting of the defence ministers of Vietnam, Laos and Cambodia, along with relevant activities in Cambodia in November 2024. Additionally, they planned for the Vietnam-Laos Defence Policy Dialogue slated for the first quarter of 2025 in Luang Prabang of Laos and the Vietnam-Laos young officers’ exchange in 2025, among others.

On the occasion, Chien suggested that Laos continue to support cooperation initiatives between Vietnam’s military-run telecom provider Viettel and the Lao Defence Ministry’s units, as well as high-tech defence and industrial products developed by Viettel.

KPL