At the reception, Gen. Giang emphasized the great friendship, special solidarity, comprehensive cooperation between Vietnam and Laos, saying that they have been constantly and intensively developing across all fields.

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Gen. Phan Van Giang (right) and Ambassador Khamphao Ernthavanh

The defense chief said that over the past time defense cooperation has been recognized by the two countries’ senior leaders as one of the important pillars in Vietnam-Laos relations. He highlighted that on the basis of the protocol and yearly cooperation plan, the bilateral defense ties have developed in an intensive, substantive and effective fashion, importantly contributing to each country’s national construction and defense cause.

For her part, Ambassador Khamphao Ernthavanh spoke highly of the outcomes of the bilateral defense relations in the past. She took this chance to express thanks to Vietnam for supporting Laos in fulfilling its ASEAN Chairmanship 2024 and hoped that the country would continue its support.

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Gen. Phan Van Giang presents a gift to Ambassador Khamphao Ernthavanh.
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Vietnamese Defense Minister, Lao Ambassador to Vietnam, and other delegates in a group photo

Gen. Giang expressed his hope that in the time ahead, the two sides would continue upholding and tightening the relations between the two countries in general and the bilateral defense relations in particular, with a focus on such major fields as exchange of delegations, especially the high-level ones, review of the Vietnam-Laos defense cooperation protocol in the 2020-2024 period and signing new protocol for the 2025-2029 period.

Congratulating Laos on successfully organizing meetings within ASEAN, the Vietnamese defense leader affirmed that Vietnam always supports Laos to successfully perform its role as ASEAN Chair 2024.

Translated by Mai Huong