Among Lao guests were General Chansamon Channhalat, former Politburo member, Deputy Prime Minister; Senior Lieutenant General Vongsone Inpanphim, Secretary of the Party Central Committee, Deputy Minister of National Defense and Director of the General Political Department of the Lao People’s Army; and Bunleua Phandanouvong, member of the Party Central Committee and head of the Party Central Committee’s Commission for External Relations.

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Defense Attaché of Vietnam to Laos Colonel Phan Huu Thang speaks at the event.

In his opening remarks, Defense Attaché of Vietnam Colonel Phan Huu Thang noted significant political milestones of the two countries in 2025. Most notably, their high-ranking leaders officially elevated bilateral relations to a “Strategic Cohesion” framework - a historic landmark in the enduring partnership.

He affirmed that this upgrade most accurately reflects the absolute trust and inevitable solidarity between the two peoples in a new era. Within that overarching framework, defense and security cooperation continues to serve as the “most steadfast pillar” and the “special of the special,” providing a firm foundation upon which economic, cultural and educational ties can flourish.

Senior Lieutenant General Vongsone Inpanphim extended his best New Year wishes to the Party, State, armed forces and people of Vietnam, emphasizing that Laos–Vietnam relations transcend ordinary diplomacy, embodying a brotherhood of shared destiny, forged through the sacrifices of generations of soldiers across fierce battlefields.

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Delegates at the gathering

No matter how complex and unpredictable global and regional developments may become, he affirmed, Laos and Vietnam will remain inseparable. The Lao People’s Army stands ready to further deepen cooperation in a substantive and effective manner.

He also commended Vietnam’s comprehensive support in personnel training, technical expertise and border cooperation, describing these as key factors in maintaining peace, stability and development in each country.

Source: VNA