Vietnamese Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of National Defence Gen. Phan Van Giang was formally welcomed by his Lao counterpart, Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of National Defence Gen. Khamliang Outhakaysone, at the Nam On Border Gate on July 9 to begin activities under the third Vietnam-Laos Border Defense Friendship Exchange.

The welcome ceremony took place at the Lao border crossing opposite Thanh Thuy Border Gate in Vietnam's Nghe An Province. Military bands, honor guards and local residents gathered early in the morning to receive the Vietnamese delegation.

Led by Gen. Phan Van Giang, the Vietnamese delegation crossed into Bolykhamxay Province, where Gen. Khamliang Outhakaysone presided over the official reception.

The two defense ministers conducted a series of symbolic activities, including saluting and repainting Border Marker No. 460, planting a friendship tree and taking commemorative photographs.

Completed in July 2013, Border Marker No. 460 was established under the Vietnam-Laos border marker enhancement and restoration project. The marker facilitates cross-border exchanges and economic cooperation between Nghe An Province and Bolykhamxay Province while symbolizing the territorial integrity of both countries and their longstanding friendship, special solidarity and comprehensive cooperation.

The joint repainting of the border marker reaffirmed both governments' shared commitment to maintaining a peaceful, stable and cooperative border for the benefit of people on both sides.

Following the border ceremony, senior defense officials from both countries continued with a series of activities in Bolykhamxay Province, including attending the groundbreaking ceremony for a coordination station at Border Company 252 under the Bolykhamxay Provincial Military Command.

The delegation also visited and presented gifts to Thong Nam Mun Primary School in Xop Tong Village, Xaychamphone District, toured a military-civilian medical station providing free healthcare and medicines to border residents, and attended an official reception.

The friendship tree planted jointly by the two ministers within the border gate complex is intended to commemorate the exchange and symbolize the enduring relationship between the two Parties, governments, armed forces and peoples.

The Vietnam-Laos Border Defense Friendship Exchange is one of the two countries' most significant defense diplomacy and border cooperation activities. The program aims to further strengthen the great friendship, special solidarity and comprehensive cooperation between Vietnam and Laos.

The direct participation of the two defense ministers underscores the importance both governments attach to defense cooperation as a pillar of bilateral relations.

The Vietnam-Laos border holds strategic significance for national defense, security, foreign affairs and socio-economic development. Beyond serving as the legal boundary between the two countries, it is also home to communities that have maintained close cultural, economic and social ties for generations.

Tran Thuong