Vietnam’s Defence Ministry on March 9 handed over equipment to Laos, aiming to help the neighbouring country fulfill its role as rotating ASEAN Chair in 2016.

The handover, which took place at the Cau Treo International Border Gate in Vietnam’s central Ha Tinh province, is part of a cooperative agreement between the two countries’ Defence Ministries this year.

The equipment comprises ambulances, computers, laptops, cardiac monitors and ultrasound scanners, among others.

Under the agreement, Vietnam will also assist Laos in organising conferences on national defence during the year.

In 2010, as ASEAN Chair, Vietnam raised a number of initiatives and proposals on the most vital issues in the region while taking the initiative in launching an ASEAN Socio-Cultural Community.

The Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN) brings together ten countries: Brunei, Cambodia, Indonesia, Laos, Malaysia, Myanmar, the Philippines, Singapore, Thailand and Vietnam.

Vietnam, Laos to develop special solidarity

Vietnam and Laos will make concerted efforts to enhance traditional friendship, special solidarity and comprehensive cooperation.

Minister of Defence Phung Quang Thanh and Lao Ambassador to Vietnam Thongsavanh Phomvihane affirmed during a meeting in Hanoi on March 9.

Regarding bilateral defence cooperation, General Thanh expressed his hope that the Lao Ambassador will continue to be a bridge to boost ties.

He highlighted that both nations need to deepen defence relations to meet the two peoples’ interests, focusing on education and training, exchanging army-building experience as well as enhancing collaboration in border protection.

Exchanges should be enhanced to help reduce poverty in shared border areas while preventing illegal activities and conspiracy against the two countries’ traditional relations.

In the past years, the two countries have worked closely in defence and security and in building their shared border of peace and comprehensive development, contributing to safeguarding their political stability and social order.

Trade has grown as the two countries signed a new bilateral trade pact, a border trade agreement and are working on a master border trade development plan. Both signed a memorandum of understanding on a cooperation strategy in transport for 2016-2025 with a vision towards 2030.

VNA