PM Phuc highlighted the profound relationship between the two Parties, States, armies and peoples, noting that throughout history, the Vietnamese army and people have always stood side by side with their Lao counterparts in all circumstances.

Sen. Lt. Gen. Luongbunmi briefed his host about 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.

The two sides reviewed cooperation in 2017 and discussed concrete cooperation orientations for this year and the time ahead, he said, elaborating that the two defence ministries worked together in all aspects last year. Notably, the Vietnamese Ministry of National Defence has actively helped the Lao army to build forces, thus greatly contributing to the socio-economic development of Laos.

The two sides have also carried out a number of joint activities to improve living standards of residents in their countries’ border areas, which has been strongly supported by Vietnamese and Lao people, he noted.

In the coming time, they will increase collaboration in personnel training and building the Vietnam-Laos boundary into a border of stability and comprehensive development, the officer said.

Applauding the two defence ministries’ cooperation, PM Phuc asked them to enhance connections to help intensify the countries’ friendship.

Meanwhile, he said, as Vietnam and Laos share a long borderline which mainly traverses mountainous and disadvantaged areas, the countries should step up joint activities between their armies and security forces to maintain peace, security, order and friendship along the border.

Aside from efforts to improve border residents’ living standards, the two armies also need to bolster ties in the fight against human trafficking and drug crimes, as well as in personnel training, he added.

The PM voiced his belief that the fine relationship between the armies will fortify the trust and all-round cooperation between the two Parties, States, and peoples while ensuring peace, stability and political security for each country’s development.

At the welcome ceremony for Deputy Minister of National Defence and Chief of the General Staff of the Lao People’s Army Sen. Lieut. Gen. Suvon Luongbunmi (R) 

On May 14 morning, Sen. Lieut. Gen. Phan Van Giang chaired a ceremony to welcome Suvon Luongbunmi and the high-ranking military delegation of Laos.

Afterwards, the Lao military officers paid a courtesy call on Vietnamese Minister of National Defence General Ngo Xuan Lich, who said the visit will make significant contributions to enhancing the special traditional friendship between the two countries and bilateral defence cooperation in particular for the sake of their people.

Sen. Lieut. Gen. Luongbunmi said senior leaders of Laos and Vietnam and their armies have paid great attention to promoting defence cooperative ties. 

He expressed his belief that the sound relations and comprehensive cooperation between the Parties, States, armies and people of Laos and Vietnam will be tightened and strengthened in the future, thus helping to maintain peace, stability and development in each nation.

The two sides agreed to enhance cooperation in training Lao military students and officers in Vietnam in addition to building a shared borderline of stability and comprehensive development.

Vietnam and Laos will also coordinate to speed up the search and repatriation of remains of Vietnamese soldiers and experts who laid down their lives in Laos during the wartime as well as maintaining delegation, culture, and sport exchanges, especially among young officers.

Vietnamese, Lao military officers take a photo together 

The same day, Sen. Lieut. Gen Phan Van Giang held talks with his Lao counterpart Suvon Luongbunmi.

They said the cooperation between the Vietnamese and Lao armies has become a key pillar in relations between the two countries, contributing to sustainable development and stability in other fields.

The two sides have strengthened coordination among forces to protect the shared borderline and prevent cross-border crimes, particularly drug crimes.

They also carried out training courses for military experts and officers, share experience and provide mutual support in building and improving the armies’ preparedness for combat.

VNA