As part of the third Vietnam-Laos Border Defense Friendship Exchange, a high-ranking delegation from the Vietnamese Defense Ministry, led by Deputy Prime Minister and Defense Minister General Phan Van Giang, held talks with a high-ranking delegation from the Lao Defense Ministry, headed by Deputy Prime Minister and Defense Minister General Khamliang Outhakaysone.
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General Phan Van Giang and General Khamliang Outhakaysone enter the meeting room. |
During the talks, the two sides reviewed the implementation of high-level agreements and bilateral defense cooperation plans over the past time, while agreeing on future cooperation orientations.
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High-ranking delegations of the two defense ministries at the talks |
General Phan Van Giang expressed his delight at the success of the exchange’s activities. Following similar events held in 2021 and 2024, the third exchange remains a highlight of bilateral cooperation with profound political significance. It concretizes the special strategic relations between the two countries, contributing to a shared borderline of peace, friendship, stability, and development.
The event holds even greater meaning as it takes place in Bolykhamxay and Nghe An provinces, looking toward the 65th anniversary of diplomatic ties (1962-2027) and the 50th anniversary of the signing of the Vietnam-Laos Treaty of Amity and Cooperation (1977-2027).
General Phan Van Giang highlighted that Thanh Thuy (Nghe An) and Nam On (Bolykhamxay) border gates would serve as connecting points for the planned strategic Hanoi-Vientiane expressway. Once completed, this route will become a vital artery linking the two nations in politics, economics, defense, and people-to-people exchanges, realizing Laos’ “land-linked” vision.
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An overview of the talks between the two delegations |
The Vietnamese Defense Minister also emphasized the importance of improving the livelihoods of people living along the shared borderline. Over the past time, people of both sides have actively coordinated in socio-economic development, poverty reduction, disaster relief, and cultural preservation. These activities have significantly contributed to promoting border defense cooperation.
Affirming defense cooperation as a crucial pillar in the bilateral relations, General Phan Van Giang highly valued the effective coordination in information sharing, strategic advisory, and cooperation mechanisms. Focus continues to be placed on human resource training, defense industry, defense economics, and coordination among border protection forces, helping to ensure security and order in border areas.
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General Phan Van Giang and General Khamliang Outhakaysone present gifts to each other following the talks. |
Based on the 2026 Defense Cooperation Plan, General Phan Van Giang proposed that both sides continue to maintain high-level delegation exchanges, step up training and defense industry cooperation, and support each other at multilateral forums. Regarding border management, he urged enhanced joint patrols, the fight against transnational crimes, and the popularization of the twinning model between border guard posts and residential clusters.
For his part, General Khamliang Outhakaysone expressed his honor in attending the event and thanked the Vietnamese military and people for their warm reception. He noted that the bilateral defense cooperation in the first half of 2026 yielded outstanding results in delegation exchanges, policy dialogues, training, and people-to-people diplomacy.
General Khamliang Outhakaysone suggested that the two sides continue educating younger generations on the special Laos-Vietnam solidarity. He also called for increased joint patrols, expanded training cooperation, and organization of meaningful activities to celebrate the two countries’ big anniversaries next year.
Translated by Minh Anh