Vientiane (VNA) – Minister of National Defence Gen. Phan Van Giang met with his Lao counterpart Sen. Lieut. Gen Khamliang Outhakaysone in Vientiane on April 25, as part of State President Luong Cuong’s visit to Laos.
Giang noted that the visit’s timing held significance as both Vietnam and Laos are celebrating their milestones this year.
He expressed profound gratitude for the immense, valuable, sincere, and effective support that the Lao Party, State, army and people have extended to the Vietnamese counterparts. He thanked the Lao Government and Ministry of Defence for their assistance in the search, collection and repatriation of the remains of Vietnamese volunteer soldiers and experts who sacrificed their lives in Laos during the war.
Giang also appreciated Laos’ commitment to sending military personnel to the parade marking the upcoming 50th anniversary of the southern liberation and national reunification, expressing hope to welcome Outhakaysone and the high-ranking Lao delegation to the event.
The Vietnamese minister wished that the Lao Government and ministry would offer all possible support to Vietnamese companies, including those under the Vietnam People's Army, to do business across various sectors in Laos.
Outhakaysone, in reply, affirmed that in his position, he would make every effort to strengthen the cooperation between the two countries, especially between the Vietnamese and Lao armies.
Laos always remembers and deeply appreciates the support and immense contributions extended by Vietnam in its past struggle for national liberation as well as in the ongoing national development, he said.
Both sides hailed defence cooperation as a cornerstone of bilateral relations, noting its growing diversity, enhanced mechanisms, and improved quality in areas such as human resource training, defence capability building, and industry development.
They agreed to prioritise the effective implementation of the 2025–2029 defence cooperation protocol and the 2025 cooperation plan. Key activities include exchanging delegations at all levels, maintaining the defence policy dialogue mechanism, continuing annual trilateral meetings among Vietnamese, Lao, and Cambodian defence ministers, and enhancing collaboration in border management and protection, among others./.
