Vietnamese, Lao provinces hold defense exchange program

The Vietnamese side was led by Vice Chairman of the Thanh Hoa provincial People’s Council Nguyen Quang Hai, while the Lao delegation was led by Vice Governor Phoutphan Keovongxay.

During the two-day event, medical staff of Thanh Hoa province and Lao medical officers provided medicines for nearly 450 people in the two provinces; presented 70 gifts to policy beneficiaries and disadvantaged students with excellent academic results; attended tree-planting and border-marker-painting activities.

Planting trees in the border areas of Na Meo International Border Gate, Quan Son district, Thanh Hoa province and Namsoi district, Houaphanh province

On the occasion, the two provinces signed a defense exchange pact underlining the reinforcement of their traditional friendship and all-round collaboration, contributing to cultivating the two countries’ great friendship, special solidarity, and comprehensive cooperation in a more effective and substantive manner. 

Vice Chairman Nguyen Quang Hai painting border marker in Thanh Hoa province

Vice Governor Phoutphan Keovongxay painting border markers in Houaphanh province

Both sides will further coordinate in politics and diplomacy, while promoting dissemination and education among officials, Party members, and people, particularly youngsters, about Vietnam-Laos and Thanh Hoa-Houaphanh ties. They will also regularly exchange information and share experience in Party building, political system, socio-economic development, defense-military tasks and security.

Presenting gifts to policy beneficiaries in Na Meo commune, Quan Son district

They will launch regular and unexpected exchanges of information on defense, security, and political matters. The Thanh Hoa provincial Military Command will continue to coordinate to organize refresher courses on politics and military for officers and village officials and support the Houaphanh provincial Military Command in the maintenance and repair of weapons and equipment.

Needy students receiving gifts from the organizing panel

Nearly 300 border people in Na Meo commune receiving medical examination and medicines

The defense exchange program included many practical activities in celebration of the 80th foundation anniversary of the Vietnam People’s Army and the 35th anniversary of the Whole-people’s Defense Festive Day, contributing to spreading the message of solidarity and mutual support, as well as consolidating political trust and laying a firm foundation for Vietnam-Lao relations.

Translated by Quynh Oanh