At the Vietnam-Laos defence policy exchange

The two sides discussed the regional and global security- political situation, and the cooperation process at the ASEAN Defence Ministers’ Meeting (ADMM) and ADMM Plus, reviewed the outcomes of defence collaboration and agreed on measures to boost partnership in the near future.

They agreed to review cooperation contents of the Protocol for the 2015-2019 period and the cooperation plan in 2019 between the two defence ministries, notably Party and political work, coordination between border guards, information exchange, and personnel training. In particular, the joint patrols and fight against trans-border crimes and illegal immigration has contributed to maintaining political security and social order and safety in the two countries’ border areas.

Both sides vowed to effectively realise the Protocol and the annual cooperation plan in order to further deepen bilateral defence links, including raising young generations’ awareness about the bilateral friendship and solidarity between the Vietnamese and Lao people and armies, as well as discussing strategic issues.

They held that the annual deputy ministerial-level defence policy exchange is an important mechanism to reach consensus on strategic issues and orientations for defence cooperation. The two sides agreed to renew coordination between border guards such as search and rescue, drills against trans-border crimes, all-level border defence exchanges, step up twinning among localities and border army units, support each other’s initiatives within multilateral mechanisms, especially ADMM and ADMM Plus.

Later the same day, Vinh paid courtesy calls on Lao Prime Minister Thongloun Sisulith and Minister of National Defence Gen. Chansamone Chanyalath.

The Lao leaders affirmed that defence cooperation is a significant pillar and a special bond in the traditional friendship, special solidarity and comprehensive cooperation between the two Parties, States, armies and people.

They suggested seeking new cooperation fields and stressed that the Lao government, defence ministry and themselves will continue supporting the enhancement of ties between the two defence ministries and army units of Laos and Vietnam.-VNA