Vientiane: Vietnam’s Minister of National Defence Phan Van Giang met with leaders of Laos in Vientiane on November 19 on the sidelines of the 18th ASEAN Defence Ministers’ Meeting (ADMM) and the 11th ASEAN Defence Ministers’ Meeting Plus (ADMM-Plus). During a courtesy call on General Secretary of the Lao People’s Revolutionary Party and President of Laos Thongloun Sisoulith, Minister Giang extended congratulations to Laos for its successful ASEAN chairmanship in 2024, emphasizing Vietnam’s continued support during this pivotal year. He also updated the Lao leader on the recent developments in Vietnam and the cooperative achievements between the defence ministries of both nations.
According to Lao News Agency, the Lao leader expressed his appreciation for the meeting between the two nations’ defence ministers, noting his satisfaction with the evolving bilateral cooperation. He affirmed that defence is a cornerstone of the great friendship, special solidarity, and comprehensive cooperation between Laos and Vie
tnam. Sisoulith urged both defence ministries to actively coordinate for the effective implementation of cooperation protocols, programmes, and plans. He highlighted the importance of spreading awareness about the historical and strategic significance of the Laos-Vietnam special relationship within the armed forces.
On the same day, Minister Giang also met with Lao Prime Minister Sonexay Siphandone, who reiterated that defence cooperation remains a key pillar of Laos-Vietnam relations and a priority for Laos. Minister Giang underscored the significance Vietnam places on preserving and deepening the unique and resilient ties between the two countries. He expressed gratitude for Laos’ assistance in the search, collection, and repatriation of the remains of Vietnamese volunteer soldiers who perished in Laos during the war. He briefed the Lao PM on the recent cooperation between the two defence ministries, especially the success of the second Vietnam-Laos border defence friendship exchange last October.
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nally, Minister Giang held a meeting with Lao Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Defence Chansamone Chanyalath. The two sides concurred to closely coordinate the implementation of the defence cooperation protocol for the 2025-2029 period and the cooperation plan for 2025. They identified several priorities for bilateral cooperation, including the Party’s work and communication activities regarding the historical and strategic importance of Vietnam-Laos ties. The ministers agreed to uphold existing cooperation mechanisms, such as high-level delegation exchanges and defence policy dialogues at the deputy ministers’ level. They also committed to intensifying joint efforts to address non-traditional security challenges, manage and protect the shared border, train human resources, and continue the search and repatriation of the remains of Vietnamese soldiers who died in Laos during wartime.
On this occasion, Minister Giang extended an invitation to Deputy PM and Defence Minister Chansamone Chanyalath and leade
rs of the Lao Defence Ministry and the Lao People’s Army to attend the 80th founding anniversary of the Vietnam People’s Army (VPA), the 35th anniversary of the All-people’s National Defence Day, and the second Vietnam International Defence Expo scheduled for mid-December.