The Vietnam People’s Army (VPA) will continue close and effective cooperation with the Lao People’s Army to help strengthen the two countries’ special relations, Deputy Defence Minister and Chief of the General Staff of the VPA Phan Van Giang said.

Lao Prime Minister Thongloun Sisoulith (R) receives Deputy Defence Minister and Chief of the General Staff of the Vietnam People's Army Phan Van Giang

He made the remark at a meeting with Lao Prime Minister Thongloun Sisoulith on March 15, part of his official visit to Laos from March 15 – 17. This is also the first trip to a foreign country by Giang since he was appointed as the Chief of the General Staff of the VPA.

He expressed his delight at the two countries’ growing relations in all fields, adding that Vietnam gives the top priority to the Vietnam-Laos friendship, special solidarity and comprehensive cooperation.

PM Thongloun Sisoulith affirmed that the Lao Government will create the best possible conditions for the two armies to foster ties in all aspects. It also supports Vietnamese businesses, including military-run firms, to invest in Laos.

Congratulating Vietnam on its enormous achievements, he voiced his belief that the country will further develop under the leadership of the Communist Party of Vietnam.

Receiving the Vietnamese delegation the same day, Lao Defence Minister Chansamone Chanyalath highlighted the sound development of cooperation between the two armies’ general staff, noting that the armies should bolster collaboration in many spheres, including in advising their Party and State leaders about intensifying defence-security and improving combat readiness capacity.

He also promised favourable conditions for the two general staff’s cooperation on the basis of the agreements between the defence ministries.

Earlier, Lieutenant General Giang had talks with Lao Deputy Defence Minister and Chief of the General Staff of the Lao People’s Army Suvone Leuangbounmy.

He said the two armies’ stronger connections will help solidify the traditional amity, special solidarity and all-round cooperation between Vietnam and Laos.

The officers exchanged viewpoints on issues of shared concern and hailed the cooperation outcomes, especially in mutual visits, personnel training, and cultural exchanges to mark the countries’ major holidays.

They agree that the two general staff will step up coordination and fully and effectively carry out cooperation activities so as to solidify mutual trust and comprehensive cooperation between the two Parties, States, peoples and armies, thereby helping to ensure peace and political and social stability for national development and defeating plots to ruin bilateral relations.

Concluding the talks, they witnessed the signing of a memorandum of understanding on cooperation between the Vietnamese Defence Ministry’s Institute for Military Strategy and the Lao Defence Ministry’s Military Science and History Department.

VNA