Second Vietnam - Laos border defence friendship exchange officially begins

(Bqp.vn) - The second Vietnam - Laos border defence friendship exchange began with a welcome ceremony for the Lao delegation at Long Sap Border Gate, Moc Chau District (Son La Province, Vietnam) on October 22.

General Phan Van Giang welcoming General Chansamone Chanyalath.

The welcome ceremony was chaired by Vietnamese Minister of National Defence General Phan Van Giang. The Lao delegation was led by Lao Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of National Defence General Chansamone Chanyalath.

General Phan Van Giang and General Chansamone Chanyalath inspecting the Guards of Honor of the Vietnam People’s Army.

The two-day exchange will feature activities in Sop Bao district of the Lao province of Houaphanh. They include friendship tree planting, a joint exercise on cross-border crime combat, a cross-border marathon, free health check-ups and medicine distribution, art performances, etc. The two sides will also hold talks and sign cooperation documents.

At the event.

General Phan Van Giang and General Chansamone Chanyalath in a joint photo with delegates.

General Phan Van Giang and General Chansamone Chanyalath planting a friendship tree at Long Sap Border Gate.

The exchange aims to further consolidate the close ties between the two countries, especially between authorities and communities along the border area. Additionally, it highlights the responsibility of both nations’ border protection forces in enhancing their coordination and effectiveness in managing and safeguarding the border areas and markers, fighting crime, helping residents alleviate poverty, and building a peaceful, friendly, stable, cooperative, and mutually developed Vietnam - Laos border area.