Second Vietnam-Laos border defence friendship exchange ends in success
The second Vietnam-Laos border defence friendship exchange concluded on October 23 with remarkable success.
Minister of National Defence Gen. Phan Van Giang (R) and Lao Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of National Defence Gen. Chansamone Chanyalath at Long Sap border gate. (Photo: VNA)
Son La (VNA) 𒉰- The second Vietnam-Laos border defence friendship exchange concluded on October 23 with remarkable success.
The two-day event, held in Vietnam's northern mountainous province of Son La and Laos' Houaphanh province, witnessed a series of landmark moments.
The first day saw the planting of a symbolic friendship tree at the Long Sap border gate in Son La, visits to a joint cross-border crime prevention drill and a guard station, and the inauguration of a new classroom area at Long Sap Semi-Boarding Ethnic Primary and Secondary School.
🌜 Talks culminated in the signing of a cooperation agreement, followed by a political exchange and interactions among young military officers.
On October 23, a Vietnamese delegation led by Minister of National Defence Gen. Phan Van Giang was warmly greeted by Lao Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of National Defence Gen. Chansamone Chanyalath at the Pahang border gate in Houaphanh province.
In a formal ceremony, both ministers saluted and repainted a border marker, planted another friendship tree, and observed a joint land patrol by the two countries' border security forces.
The delegations then visited Pahang Primary and Secondary School where they presented gifts and spread joy to students.
A highlight of the day was the groundbreaking ceremony of a new camp for the Lao People’s Army's Border Guard Company 214, a gift from the Vietnam People's Army.
The exchange has not only strengthened practical cooperation between border protection forces but also fostered economic growth and people-to-people exchanges. It is a testament to both nations’ commitment to building a border line of peace, friendship, stability, cooperation, and development./.
The second Vietnam-Laos border defence friendship exchange began with a welcome ceremony for the Lao delegation at Long Sap Border Gate in Vietnam’s northern province of Son La on October 22.
Working delegations from the Defence Ministries of Vietnam and Laos on October 21 held a rehearsal for the second Vietnam-Laos Border Defence Friendship Exchange in Moc Chau district, the northern province of Son La, and Sop Bao district, Laos’s Houaphanh province.
The second Vietnam-Laos border defence friendship exchange is scheduled for October 22-23, expected to help enhance the special relations of solidarity and friendship between the two countries, heard a press conference on October 15.
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.
The ministry has instructed Vietnamese representative agencies in Israel, Iran, as well as those in neighbouring countries, to closely monitor the situation and request local authorities to ensure absolute safety for Vietnamese citizens living, studying, and working in high-risk areas.
Senior Vietnamese leaders on June 19 sent letters of congratulations to New Zealand leaders on the occasion of the 50th founding anniversary of Vietnam – New Zealand diplomatic relations (June 19, 1975 – 2025).
The Party chief attributed the achievements in the first half to the continuous, direct, and comprehensive leadership of the Politburo and the Secretariat of the Party Central Committee, and the close and effective coordination of relevant ministries, sectors and localities.
General Nguyen Tan Cuong, Chief of the VPA’s General Staff and Deputy Minister of National Defence reaffirmed Vietnam’s unwavering gratitude for Cuba’s invaluable support during its struggle for independence and nation-building efforts, and pledged to stand shoulder-to-shoulder with Cuba as it navigates current challenges.
