(Bqp.vn) - On March 28, in Luang Prabang, Laos, the fifth Vietnam - Laos Defense Policy Dialogue took place under the co-chair of Vietnam’s Deputy Defense Minister Senior Lieutenant General Hoang Xuan Chien and his Lao counterpart Senior Lieutenant General Vongkham Phommakone.
Senior Lieutenant General Hoang Xuan Chien speaking at the dialogue.
During the dialogue, both sides exchanged views on global and regional issues, reaffirming their commitment to strengthening ASEAN’s central role in regional security.
Regarding the East Sea issue, Senior Lieutenant General Hoang Xuan Chien emphasized Vietnam’s consistent stance on upholding international law, particularly UNCLOS 1982, complying with the Declaration on the Conduct of Parties in the East Sea (DOC), and accelerating negotiations for an effective and substantive Code of Conduct (COC).
Senior Lieutenant General Vongkham Phommakone speaking at the dialogue.
Both sides acknowledged significant progress in bilateral defense cooperation since the fourth dialogue, including high-level delegation exchanges, training programs, cooperation in border security management and protection, U.N. peacekeeping operations, and coordination in international forums.
At the dialogue.
In the coming time, they pledged to boost cooperation on existing agreements, such as delegation exchanges, consultation, education and training, U.N. peacekeeping operations, among others.
Senior Lieutenant General Hoang Xuan Chien extended an invitation to leaders of the Lao Ministry of National Defense to attend Vietnam’s 50th anniversary of South Liberation and National Reunification Day (April 30, 1975 - 2025).
Both sides signing the dialogue minutes.
On the same day, Senior Lieutenant General Hoang Xuan Chien visited the Luang Prabang Provincial Military Command of Laos. Its Political Commissar Major General Sivixay Phengsantisouk highlighted the strong cooperation with military units in Vietnam’s Son La and Dien Bien provinces, particularly in information sharing, border security, and joint patrols.
Senior Lieutenant General Hoang Xuan Chien visiting the Luang Prabang Provincial Military Command of Laos.
Senior Lieutenant General Hoang Xuan Chien appreciated the results that the two sides have achieved over the past time. He stressed the importance of information exchange and joint efforts in tackling border-related challenges and transnational crimes. He also reaffirmed Vietnam’s commitment to facilitating defense cooperation, further strengthening the Vietnam - Laos special friendship.
