Lao Defence Minister Chansamone Channhalat has arrived in Vietnam to meet with Vietnam’s armed forces chiefs and begin an official three-day visit to deepen military relations between the two countries.

The visit comes at the special invitation of General of the Army Ngo Xuan Lich, minister of National Defence. 

Accompanied by a contingent of high ranking chiefs and the vice-chiefs of the army, air force and navy, Channhalat met with General Lich and other Vietnam military chiefs on January 9 to review the state of affairs between the two sides.

At the conclusion of the talks, they announced that in the upcoming year, a series of activities will be jointly organized to mark the 40th anniversary of the signing of the Vietnam-Laos Treaty of Amity and Cooperation and 55th anniversary of diplomatic ties.

In the meeting they agreed upon several proposed new initiatives to enhance the capacity of the Laos Armed Forces and further strengthen the multifaceted ties between the two armed forces.

The proposals included enhanced training engagements, joint exercises, humanitarian assistance, border defence and disaster relief activities. They will also closely coordinate in fighting crime, especially transnational activity and keeping order and security along border lines.

During the visit, the Lao contingent will pay a courtesy visit to Danang leaders and take in some sightseeing.

VOV