Lao Prime Minister Thongloun Sisoulith (R) and Deputy Minister of National Defence Sen. Lieut. Gen. Le Chiem (Source: VNA) Vientiane (VNA) – Lao Prime Minister Thongloun Sisoulith has urged the Special Working Committees of the Vietnamese and Lao Governments to continue their close coordination in searching and repatriating remains of Vietnamese volunteer soldiers and experts who laid down their lives during the wars in Laos.
At a reception in Vientiane on June 26 for Deputy Minister of National Defence Sen. Lieut. Gen. Le Chiem, who is head of the Vietnamese Government’s Special Working Committee, PM Sisoulith expressed his hope that the search and repatriation work will be completed as soon as possible.
The Lao Party, Government and army appreciated achievements recorded by the two committees, he said, stressing that such outcomes are of significance as they have contributed to enhancing the long-standing relationship, special solidarity and comprehensive cooperation between the two countries.
Chiem informed the Lao PM about the results of the earlier 22nd meeting of the two committees.
He said remains of Vietnamese volunteer soldiers and experts have still scattered in Laos, mostly in Vientiane and Xieng Khouang, Xaysomboun, Savannakhet and northern Lao provinces.
The search and repatriation of remains have been hindered by limited and inaccurate information as well as complex terrain, Chiem said, expressing his wish that the Lao PM will create more optimal conditions for the committees to fulfill their task.
Earlier the same day, the Special Working Groups convened their 22nd meeting on searching and repatriating remains of Vietnamese volunteer soldiers and experts.
The two sides reviewed the work during the 2016-2017 dry season and agreed on cooperation orientations for the 2017-2018 dry season and the time to come.
As many as 270 remains of Vietnamese volunteer soldiers and experts were brought home during the 2016-2017 dry season, of which 24 were identified.
The two sides also completed the building of a statue in Xaysomboun province featuring the Vietnam-Laos combating solidarity.-VNA
VNA
