During the dialogue, both sides exchanged viewpoints on global and regional issues, reaffirming their commitment to strengthening ASEAN’s central role in regional security.
Regarding the South China Sea (aka East Sea) issue, General Chien emphasized Vietnam’s consistent stance on upholding international law, particularly UNCLOS 1982, and accelerating negotiations for an effective and substantive Code of Conduct (COC).
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Senior Lieutenant General Hoang Xuan Chien at the event |
Both sides acknowledged significant progress in bilateral defense cooperation since the fourth dialogue, including high-level delegation exchanges, training programs, cooperation in border security management and protection, U.N. peacekeeping operations, and coordination in international forums.
In the coming time, they pledged to boost cooperation on existing agreements, such as delegation exchange, consultation, education and training, and U.N. peacekeeping operations, among others.
General Chien extended an invitation to leaders of the Lao Ministry of National Defense to attend Vietnam’s 50th anniversary of South Liberation and National Reunification Day (April 30, 1975 - 2025).
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An overview of the dialogue |
Concluding the dialogue, both sides signed the dialogue minutes.
* On the same day, General Chien visited the Luang Prabang provincial Military Command of Laos. Its Political Commissar Major General Sivixay Phengsantisouk highlighted the strong cooperation with military units in Vietnam’s Son La and Dien Bien provinces, particularly in information sharing, border security, and joint patrols.
General Chien hailed these achievements and urged continued cooperation under the bilateral defense protocol. He stressed the importance of information exchange and joint efforts in tackling border-related challenges and transnational crimes. He reaffirmed Vietnam’s commitment to facilitating defense cooperation, further strengthening the Vietnam - Laos special friendship.
Translated by Minh Anh