Vietnam, Laos bolster defence cooperation

He highlighted the Lao army official's visit as a contribution to enhancing the special traditional friendship between the two countries in general and defence cooperation in particular for the benefit of the two peoples.

PM Phuc hailed the good relationship between the two Parties, States, armies and peoples, saying that the Vietnamese army and people have always stood side by side with their Lao counterparts in all circumstances

Sen. Lt. Gen. Luongbunmi briefed the government leader on the outcomes of his talks with Sen. Lt. Gen. Phan Van Giang, Deputy Defence Minister and Chief of the General Staff of the Vietnam People’s Army.

Both sides reviewed cooperation last year and discussed specific cooperation orientations for this year and the following years. The two defence ministries agreed that they worked more closely across a variety of fields last year as shown by the Vietnamese Ministry of National Defence’s assistance to the Lao army in building forces, thus significantly contributing to the socio-economic development of Laos.

They have also launched a number of joint activities to improve living standards of residents in their countries’ border areas, which has received great support from Vietnamese and Lao people, he said.

The two sides agreed to step up collaboration in personnel training and building the Vietnam-Laos boundary into a border of stability and comprehensive development.

Regarding the two defence ministries’ cooperation, PM Phuc called for enhanced connections to help solidify the two countries’ friendship.

As Vietnam and Laos share a long borderline which covers mountainous and disadvantaged areas, both nations should promote joint activities between their armies and security forces to maintain peace, security, order and friendship along the border, Phuc said.

Apart from the combined efforts to improve border residents’ living standards, the two armies should augment their collaboration in the fight against human trafficking and drug crimes, as well as in personnel training, he added.

The PM said he hopes that the fine relationship between the armies will help consolidate the trust and comprehensive cooperation between the two Parties, States, and peoples while ensuring peace, stability and political security for each nation’s development.