Vietnam, Laos deepen defence cooperation

PHNOM PENH, Dec 29, 2018, VNA. Vietnam – Laos defence cooperation is always one of the important pillars in bilateral ties, Vietnamese and Lao defence ministers have affirmed, reported the Vietnam News Agency.

During talks in Phnom Penh on December 28 with Politburo member of the Lao People’s Revolutionary Party Central Committee and Defence Minister Chansamone Chanyalath, Politburo member and Vice Secretary of the Central Military Commission and Defence Minister Ngo Xuan Lich said the meeting takes place at a time when the Lao People’s Army is preparing to celebrate its 75th founding anniversary and the Vietnam People’s Army will mark its 75th founding anniversary next year.

He added that the meeting will create a new driving force for and further deepen bilateral defence partnership.

Chanyalath, for his part, affirmed that Laos attaches importance to relations with Vietnam, saying that bilateral defence relationship is special.

Both sides agreed to continue strengthening the sharing of experience in Party and political work, raising public awareness of friendship between the two countries and armies, contributing to fostering traditional friendship, special solidarity and comprehensive cooperation between the two peoples and armies.

They pledged to monitor the implementation of signed cooperation agreements in 2019, especially in personnel training, considering it an issue of strategic benefit to the two nations.

The ministers suggested that the two armies strengthen border management and protection, with a focus on exchanges and twinning between localities and border units, and mutual support.

They also agreed to assign units concerned to review bilateral coordination for the 2015-2019 period, thereby proposing cooperation contents for the time to come.

Following the talks, the two ministers signed a cooperation plan for 2019 between the two ministries.

Lich is in Cambodia to attend the Vietnam – Laos – Cambodia defence ministers’ conference and the inauguration of a victory monument.

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