ASEAN 2020: Defence ministers of Vietnam, Laos meet in Hanoi
Minister of National Defence Gen. Ngo Xuan Lich had a meeting with his Lao counterpart Gen. Chansamone Chanyalath in Hanoi on February 18 within the framework of the ASEAN Defence Ministers’ Meeting Retreat (ADMM Retreat).
Minister of National Defence Gen. Ngo Xuan Lich (R) meets with his Lao counterpart Gen. Chansamone Chanyalath in Hanoi on February 18 (Photo: VNA)
Hanoi (VNA) – Minister of National Defence Gen.Ngo Xuan Lich had a meeting with his Lao counterpart Gen. Chansamone Chanyalathin Hanoi on February 18 within the framework of the ASEAN Defence Ministers’Meeting Retreat (ADMM Retreat).
Welcoming the Lao People’s Army delegation tothe ADMM Retreat held from February 18 to 20, the host said this is animportant meeting that will set the directions for ASEAN defence and militarycooperation for 2020 and the following years, as well as contribute to thesuccess of the ADMM Plus.
Vietnam hopes Laos and other ASEAN members willjoin hands to consolidate defence – military cooperation mechanisms and buildan ASEAN Community that is cohesive and responsive to external factors in linewith the theme “Defence cooperation for a cohesive and responsive ASEAN” for2020 chosen by the Vietnamese Ministry of National Defence, Lich noted.
For his part, Minister Chanyalath highly valuedthe Vietnamese ministry’s preparations for the ADMM Retreat and military –defence activities during the year the country holds the ASEAN chairmanship.
Although the ADMM Treat takes place amid theCOVID-19 outbreak, Vietnam has played an active role in disease prevention soas to help participating delegation feel secure, he added.
The Lao official expressed his belief that underthe chair of Vietnam in 2020, the ADMM and ADMM Plus cooperation mechanismswill continue affirming their important role in the regional securityarchitecture.
At the meeting, the two sides shared the viewthat defence cooperation is always considered one of the key pillars inVietnam-Laos relations.
They agreed to coordinate closely in directingthe countries’ agencies and units to fully and effectively implement theprotocol on defence cooperation for 2020-2024 and annual cooperation plans./.
Lao Prime Minister Thongloun Sisoulith is set to lead a high-ranking delegation of the Lao government to visit Vietnam and co-chair the 42nd meeting of the Vietnam – Laos Inter-Governmental Committee in Hanoi from January 2-4.
Prosecutor General of the Supreme People’s Procuracy Le Minh Tri held talks with his Lao counterpart Khamsan Souvong in Vientiane on January 8, as part of the Vietnamese delegation’s ongoing working visit to Laos.
As many as 12 collectives and 52 individuals of the Vietnam’s National Assembly were presented with the Lao State’s orders and medals in Hanoi on January 9.
Vietnam and Laos should step up the sharing of legislative experience and promote locality-to-locality collaboration in 2020 in addition to increasing the exchange of delegations at all levels, said a top legislator.
The Vietnamese and Lao States bestowed their noble orders upon several collectives and individuals of the two countries’ armies at a ceremony in Hanoi on February 18.
The Party and State of Vietnam always attach great importance to and give top priority to the development of Vietnam–China relations. Vietnam is ready to work with the Chinese Party and State to further deepen the Comprehensive Strategic Cooperative Partnership and promote the building of the Vietnam-China community with a shared future that carries strategic significance.
Under the leadership of President Ho Chi Minh and the CPV, President Cuong said, the press has been a steadfast force on the ideological and cultural front, rallying the masses to pursue national aspirations.
NA Chairman Tran Thanh Man stressed the need to accelerate the application of artificial intelligence and smart teaching equipment, innovate teaching and assessment methods, and further improve the quality of formal education.
He also pledged that the NA will promote its ongoing supervision, making sure that every promise must lead to results, and every commitment must bring about real changes.
Minister of Industry and Trade Nguyen Hong Dien welcomed the proposals put forward by the US side and reiterated Vietnam’s request for consideration of key areas of interest, including reciprocal tariff policies and access for Vietnamese key export products to the US market.
Deputy PM Le Thanh Long proposed countries promote shared values, including building trust, sincerity, and solidarity among nations and peoples; fostering cooperation spirit and responsible behaviour as well as upholding international law and the UN Charter; and placing people at the centre and as the goal, the key player, and the driving force of all policies.
The show, together with a grand parade to be held silmutaneously at Ba Dinh Square in Hanoi, will celebrate the 80th anniversary of the August Revolution, the National Day, and the General Staff of the Vietnam People’s Army (VPA).
In particular, in April 2023, the two sides successfully carried out a joint operation that dismantled a major organised, transnational drug trafficking ring involving both Vietnamese and Cambodian suspects.
The Vietnamese Embassy in Israel is closely coordinating with relevant local agencies to stay informed and provide the utmost support possible for Vietnamese nationals.
The launch of Thanh Nien (Young People) newspaper in 1925, even before the founding of the Communist Party of Vietnam, is considered a testament to President Ho Chi Minh’s strategic foresight and strong belief in the guiding power of the revolutionary media.
New Zealand is currently one of Vietnam’s most important partners in the region, marked by a high level of political trust, strong and reliable defence and security cooperation, and increasingly open economic, trade, and investment ties.
Party General Secretary To Lam stressed that the Central Public Security Party Committee must be fully aware of the extremely important role of the People's Public Security force in the country's new revolutionary phase, so as to guide each branch and level of the force as the nation undergoes transformation.
Addressing concerns over university education spending, Son explained that as public universities gain greater autonomy, the Ministry of Finance has scaled back recurrent state funding. “Over the past decade, as autonomy has increased, the State's support has steadily declined”, he noted
Lao Minister of Foreign Affairs Thongsavanh Phomvihane affirmed that the presence of Vietnamese press offices in Laos vividly demonstrates the great friendship, special solidarity, and comprehensive cooperation between the two nations, as the press is not only a means of communication but also an important bridge for spreading consciousness about the history, values, and strategic depth of the Laos – Vietnam relationship to the people of both countries and the international community.
The country is willing to participate in collective efforts to promote cooperation and mobilise resources to advance the current priority issues of developing countries, such as trade, investment, infrastructure connectivity, making the most of scientific and technological advances for development, and people-to-people exchanges, Hang said.
During the negotiations, the US highly evaluated Vietnam’s goodwill and efforts, affirmed its appreciation for the bilateral relationship, acknowledged Vietnam’s proposals and concerns, and considered these an important basis for continuing discussions and moving towards a final agreement.
The Chairman stressed the need for stricter fiscal discipline, faster digital transformation, and more efficient management of State budget revenues and expenditures.
Minister of National Defence Gen. Ngo Xuan Lich (R) meets with his Lao counterpart Gen. Chansamone Chanyalath in Hanoi on February 18 (Photo: VNA) 
