(KPL) Lieutenant General Saichay Kommasith, Deputy Minister of National Defense and Chief of the General Staff of the Lao People's Army, led a delegation in officially welcoming General Songwit Noonpakdee, Chief of Defence Forces of Thailand, and his high-level delegation during their official visit to the Lao People’s Democratic Republic.

During the meeting, both sides exchanged experiences and reviewed cooperation in areas of mutual interest. They expressed a shared commitment to further strengthening defense relations, expanding high-level exchanges, and promoting mutual assistance in economic and military spheres.

Special emphasis was placed on enhancing cooperation through the Lao-Thai and Thai-Lao Border Peacekeeping Cooperation Committees. Both sides agreed to work together to maintain peace and security along the shared border, focusing on pressing issues such as drug trafficking, illegal immigration, and other causes of unrest.

In addition, the two armies discussed creating joint mechanisms in agriculture, farming, and animal husbandry to yield practical benefits. The leaders emphasized the importance of preserving the tradition of regular exchanges based on mutual trust and long-standing friendship.

Further areas of collaboration include humanitarian assistance, disaster prevention, medical exchanges, arts and culture, sports, and cooperation under the ASEAN framework.

As part of the visit, General Songwit Noonpakdee and his delegation laid a wreath at the Monument to the Unknown Soldiers (Red Star) in tribute to Lao military heroes.

KPL