Vietnam, Laos boost martyrs’ remain search and repatriation

The Vietnamese committee, led by Deputy Defense Minister, Senior Lieutenant General Le Chiem, and the Lao committee, led by Deputy Defense Minister and Director of the General Department of Politics, Lieutenant General Vilay Lakhamphong, participated in the meeting.

 The two sides agreed to boost cooperation for the task in the dry season of 2017-2018.

In a warm atmosphere in celebration of the “Vietnam-Laos Friendship and Solidarity year 2017”, participants highly valued the results of the search and collection of remains of Vietnamese volunteer soldiers and specialists who sacrificed themselves in wartime in Laos. In the dry season of 2016-2017, despite difficulties, with support of the Lao Government and people, eight Vietnamese search and repatriation teams found and repatriated 270 sets of remains, of which 24 have been identified.

The two sides also discussed their work plan in the coming time, mentioning difficulties, analyzing and identifying areas where Vietnamese volunteer troops and specialists possibly died.

The two sides agreed to boost cooperation for the task in the dry season of 2017-2018. Vietnam will operate eight search and repatriation teams while the two sides will boost information dissemination of the issue. The special working committees and provincial military commands of the two countries will regularly exchange information and draw lessons learnt while promptly rewarding outstanding individuals and groups when carrying out the work.

The embellishment of the Vietnam-Laos alliance in solidarity-in-combat monuments in Saysomboun province has been implemented with quality, showing responsibility and deep tribute to fallen troops and specialists of the two countries. The Vietnamese side suggested that the monuments be used in accordance with regulations of the Lao State and customs and tradition of the Lao people, actively contributing to strengthening the traditional friendship and special solidarity as well as the comprehensive cooperation between the two Parties, States and peoples of Vietnam and Laos.