Hanoi:General Secretary of the Communist Party of Vietnam Central Committee and President, To Lam, welcomed General Khamlieng Outhakaisone, the Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of National Defence of Laos, in Hanoi on October 14. The meeting was part of the Lao official's visit for the 10th annual meeting of the defense ministers of Vietnam, Laos, and Cambodia, as well as the fifth joint civil defense exercise among their militaries.
According to Lao News Agency, President Lam extended congratulations to Laos on its political stability, national defense and security achievements, and socio-economic development, which are paving the way for the country to graduate from the least developed country category by 2026. He also praised the successful outcomes of the recent Lao People's Revolutionary Party Central Committee meeting and the 10th National Assembly's session.
The Vietnamese leader emphasized the importance of the bilateral relationship, highlighting defense and security cooperation as vital elements. He called for increased strategic political trust, more effective exchanges, and comprehensive defense dialogues between the two nations. President Lam also reaffirmed Vietnam's commitment to solidarity and defense cooperation with Laos and Cambodia, noting the significance of the annual meetings and joint exercises.
General Khamlieng expressed gratitude for Vietnam's enduring support and assured that Laos would continue to nurture the special relationship between the two countries. He reported on the implementation of Laos's 12th National Party Congress's Resolution and pledged to strengthen coordination with Vietnam's Ministry of National Defence to further their cooperation.
President Lam thanked Laos for its role in the recovery and identification of Vietnamese soldiers' remains in Laos, contributing to Vietnam's '500-day campaign.' He also encouraged the preparation of activities for the 2027 Vietnam-Laos Year of Solidarity and Friendship, marking the 65th anniversary of diplomatic relations and the 50th anniversary of the Treaty of Friendship and Cooperation. These activities aim to educate younger generations and deepen the solidarity between the two nations.