General Phan Van Giang, Vietnam's Minister of National Defense, is currently visiting Laos to attend the annual meeting of defense ministers and participate in a joint rescue drill involving the militaries of Vietnam, Laos, and Cambodia.
This afternoon, Senior Lieutenant General Khamliang Outhakaysone, Laos' Minister of National Defense, presided over the official welcome ceremony and bilateral talks with General Phan Van Giang.
During the meeting, General Khamliang expressed deep sympathy for the recent loss of life and property in Vietnam due to storms and floods.
He congratulated Vietnam on the successful organization of the 2025-2030 Party Congress of the Vietnam People’s Army and reaffirmed Laos’ enduring gratitude for Vietnam’s steadfast support and contributions.
Advancing practical cooperation
Senior Lieutenant General Khamliang Outhakaysone welcomes General Phan Van Giang. Photo: Ministry of National Defense
General Phan Van Giang and General Khamliang Outhakaysone expressed satisfaction with the progress made in implementing the 2025-2029 defense cooperation protocol and the 2025 annual cooperation plan.
The two defense ministries have coordinated effectively in exchanging intelligence and strategic insights, advising their respective governments on defense and security matters.
Key cooperation areas have included joint efforts between military branches, logistics, technical support, and defense industry development.
Both sides agreed to continue effective communication campaigns, especially for younger generations, highlighting the historical significance and importance of the special Vietnam-Laos relationship.
Commitment to long-term strategic training
General Phan Van Giang and Senior Lieutenant General Khamliang Outhakaysone review the Lao People’s Army honor guard. Photo: Ministry of National Defense
The two militaries reaffirmed the strategic importance of human resource development, seeing it as a foundation to deepen bilateral military ties.
They pledged to enhance cooperation in technical logistics, IT infrastructure, and multilateral platforms.
General Phan Van Giang emphasized that this year marks the 50th anniversary of Laos' National Day - a milestone not only for Laos but also a shared joy for the Vietnamese people.
Drawing from Vietnam’s experience organizing large-scale events, the Ministry of National Defense of Vietnam is ready to provide support.
To commemorate the occasion, Vietnam’s Defense Ministry gifted Laos three Vinfast command vehicles, white gloves and parade gaiters, as well as fireworks produced by Vietnam’s defense industry.
Joint rescue drills and high-level meetings
Defense ministers sign memorandum on training and human resource development cooperation. Photo: Ministry of National Defense
General Phan Van Giang and General Khamliang expressed confidence that tomorrow’s annual trilateral meeting of defense ministers and the joint rescue exercise involving the armed forces of Vietnam, Laos, and Cambodia would be a success.
These activities aim to further strengthen solidarity and cooperation among the three countries and their militaries.
Also today, General Phan Van Giang paid a courtesy visit to Thongloun Sisoulith, General Secretary of the Lao People's Revolutionary Party and President of Laos.
Deep gratitude and future cooperation
General Phan Van Giang meets Lao General Secretary and President Thongloun Sisoulith. Photo: Ministry of National Defense
General Phan Van Giang affirmed Vietnam’s lasting appreciation for Laos’ invaluable support, particularly in facilitating the search, repatriation, and memorialization of Vietnamese volunteer soldiers and experts who died in Laos.
He briefed President Thongloun Sisoulith on recent developments in Vietnam and the results of bilateral defense cooperation.
General Giang also expressed his hope that the Lao President would continue supporting deeper, more practical and effective bilateral defense relations.
President Thongloun Sisoulith congratulated Vietnam on its outstanding achievements under the leadership of the Communist Party of Vietnam, especially over the past 80 years of national development.
He welcomed the increasingly profound Vietnam-Laos special solidarity and emphasized that 2025 is especially important, as it marks the final year of the current Party congress term and leads into the next congress in early 2026.
The two nations are working closely together to share experiences and ensure the success of each Party’s upcoming national congress.
The Lao President praised the longstanding and fruitful military partnership and called for continued effective implementation of cooperation protocols and plans, reaffirming defense as a key pillar in Laos-Vietnam relations.
Bilateral trust affirmed at the highest levels
General Phan Van Giang meets with Lao Prime Minister Sonexay Siphandone. Photo: Ministry of National Defense
Later in the day, General Phan Van Giang also met with Lao Prime Minister Sonexay Siphandone to report on his talks with General Khamliang.
He reiterated that the Vietnamese Ministry of National Defense will coordinate closely with its Lao counterpart to ensure comprehensive, practical and effective implementation of cooperation initiatives.
Prime Minister Sonexay Siphandone affirmed Laos' deep gratitude for Vietnam’s sincere and unconditional support, both during its struggle for national liberation and in ongoing development efforts.
He emphasized that strengthening defense cooperation with Vietnam remains one of Laos’ top strategic priorities.
Vietnamnet.vn
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