The dialogue was co-chaired by Nguyen Truong Thang, Deputy Minister of National Defense of Vietnam, and Saichay Kommasith, Deputy Minister of National Defense and Chief of the General Staff of the Lao People’s Army.

At the meeting, Nguyen Truong Thang emphasized the significance of the dialogue as a key mechanism to implement shared understandings reached by senior leaders of the two countries. It also contributes to the realization of the bilateral defense cooperation protocol for the 2025-2029 period, as well as the 2026 cooperation plan between the two ministries.

Both sides highly appreciated the results of defense cooperation in recent years, affirming that coordination has been carried out closely and effectively across multiple areas. Among the highlights were politically significant activities, including joint organization of major commemorative events of both countries and their armed forces.

Cooperation in border management and protection has continued to be strengthened, contributing to maintaining security and order in border areas and creating favorable conditions for socio-economic development. The two sides have also worked closely in searching for, repatriating and honoring the remains of Vietnamese volunteer soldiers and experts who sacrificed their lives in Laos across different periods.

In addition, both countries have paid attention to promoting awareness and education about the great friendship, special solidarity and comprehensive cooperation between Vietnam and Laos, particularly among younger generations in the military.

Looking ahead, the two sides agreed to further enhance practical and effective cooperation in key areas, including increasing exchanges of delegations at all levels and maintaining effective consultation and dialogue mechanisms, especially the Defense Policy Dialogue. They also stressed the importance of timely exchanges on strategic issues and orientations for cooperation.

Both sides committed to promoting existing cooperation models such as exchanges among young officers, women in the military and twinning programs between units. Annual conferences among military regions and border protection forces will continue to be organized, alongside strengthened coordination in border management through joint patrols, information sharing and prompt handling of emerging issues at the grassroots level.

Human resource training and capacity building will remain a priority, with a focus on improving training quality. Efforts to enhance education on the historical significance of Vietnam - Laos relations will also be intensified.

Notably, both sides agreed to accelerate coordination in the search, repatriation and identification of martyrs’ remains. They also discussed expanding cooperation among the militaries of Vietnam, Laos and Cambodia in the context of increasingly complex regional and global developments.

The dialogue also provided an opportunity for both sides to exchange views on regional and international situations, as well as issues of mutual concern.

On this occasion, Vietnam invited leaders of Laos’ Ministry of National Defense, General Staff and General Political Department to attend the third Vietnam International Defense Expo, scheduled to take place in December, and encouraged Lao defense enterprises to participate in product exhibitions.

Ho Giap