6th Vietnam - Laos defence policy dialogue held

The dialogue was co-chaired by Senior Lieutenant General Nguyen Truong Thang, Deputy Minister of National Defence of Vietnam, and Senior Lieutenant General Saichay Kommasith, Deputy Minister of National Defence of Laos.

The event marked an important step in implementing agreements between Vietnam and Laos, including the bilateral defence cooperation protocol for the 2025 - 2029 period and the ministries’ 2026 cooperation plan.

Both sides noted that Vietnam and Laos have closely coordinated in implementing defence cooperation protocols and annual plans, including joint activities marking major milestones such as the Liberation of Southern Vietnam and National Reunification, the 80th anniversary of Vietnam’s National Day, and the 50th anniversary of the Lao People’s Democratic Republic’s National Day.

Vietnam and Laos have effectively coordinated border management to maintain security while facilitating economic exchanges.

Both sides also cooperated in searching for and repatriating the remains of Vietnamese volunteer soldiers who fell in Laos, strengthening education and communication for the two countries’ special friendship and cooperation.

Looking ahead, Vietnam and Laos agreed to strengthen cooperation through high-level exchanges and defence policy dialogues to guide collaboration between the two ministries.

They will also expand initiatives such as young officer exchanges, interactions among military women, military-civilian friendship activities, and annual meetings between military regions and border forces.

Vietnam and Laos also agreed to enhance border management through joint exchanges, information sharing, and coordinated patrols. Both sides will prioritise human resource training, especially educating younger military personnel on the historical and strategic significance of the Vietnam - Laos friendship.

Vietnam and Laos reaffirmed their commitment to accelerating the search and repatriation of Vietnamese volunteer soldiers’ remains in Laos while strengthening defence cooperation between their armed forces and trilateral ties with Cambodia amid evolving security challenges.

During the dialogue, Vietnam and Laos also exchanged views on regional and international developments and other issues of mutual concern.