Vietnamese and Lao young officers hold talks

Themed “Young Officers of Vietnam and Laos: United in Trust, Growing Together,” the meeting was co-chaired by Head of Laos’ Youth Department Colonel Hongthong Sixanon and Deputy Head of Vietnam’s Military Youth Advisory Board Senior Captain Le Hao.

Col. Hongthong Sixanon (right) hands over a souvenir to Sr. Capt. Le Hao.

Delegates in a joint photo

The talks served as a forum for young officers from the two militaries to exchange practical professional experience. Discussions focused on measures to strengthen political commitment, enhance grassroots mass mobilization, and develop high-quality human resources in response to emerging non-traditional security challenges.

During the event, Vietnamese delegates shared a number of innovative and widely applicable models. A representative from Military Region 5 presented experience in building the “people's heart posture” through defense-linked production initiatives and youth volunteer efforts to help local communities recover from storms and floods. Meanwhile, a representative from the Political Officers Candidate School highlighted approaches to fostering revolutionary ideals and promoting the pioneering role of young personnel. 

The Vietnamese delegation visits Star Telecom.

Young officers from the Lao People's Army contributed practical lessons on deploying young officers to grassroots communities to help build resilient villages, safeguard border security, and coordinate effectively with Vietnam's Company of Economic Cooperation (COECCO) in supporting poverty reduction efforts in Xiangkhouang province. Their presentations also examined the study and application of President Kaysone Phomvihane's thought on the special Laos - Vietnam relationship. Participants proposed measures to strengthen traditional education, modernize communication methods, and inspire dedication and creativity among young military personnel in countering hostile and distorted narratives.

The Vietnamese and Lao young officers in a volleyball friendly match

Earlier, the Vietnamese delegation took part in a range of activities under the exchange program, including a visit and exchange at Star Telecom (Unitel Laos), friendly volleyball and tug-of-war competitions, and joint cultural performances by artists from Military Region 4's Art Troupe and the Lao People's Army Art Troupe.

Translated by Tran Hoai