Top leader hosts Cambodian, Lao defense ministers

The meetings took place on the occasion of the Cambodian and Lao officials' visit to Viet Nam to attend 10th annual meeting of the defense ministers of Viet Nam, Laos and Cambodia, and the fifth joint civil defense exercise among the three countries' militaries.

At the meeting with the Cambodian official, To reiterated that the Vietnamese Party and State consistently support and facilitate closer and more substantive defense cooperation with Cambodia.

He appreciated Cambodia's support for the search for, recovery and identification of the remains of Vietnamese fallen soldiers in the country, calling for continued cooperation in this profoundly humanitarian endeavor.

The top Vietnamese leader called on the two defense ministries to enhance information sharing and support each other in maintaining political stability and national security.

To Lam also urged more effective coordination in border management and protection, facilitation of border demarcation and marker planting and the legal formalization of achievements already achieved.

To Lam further called for closer coordination in supporting ministries, sectors and localities in infrastructure connectivity, trade and economic development in border areas, thereby strengthening links between the two economies and working towards the goal of raising bilateral trade to US$20 billion.

For his part, Tea Seiha pledged to direct Cambodia's defense ministry and army to work closely with their Vietnamese counterparts to effectively implement cooperation agreements.

He expressed his gratitude for Viet Nam's material and spiritual support for Cambodia’s national construction, defence and development cause, as well as for the cooperation and assistance provided by the Vietnamese Ministry of National Defense and military.

Both sides vowed to coordinate in organizing practical activities to mark the 60th founding anniversary of diplomatic relations in 2027 in order to enhance mutual understanding and deepen solidarity and friendship between the two countries' people and armies.

At the meeting with the Lao official, To Lam affirmed that the Vietnamese Party and State always attach the highest priority to relations with Laos and stand ready to share experience and support Laos in its renewal and international integration.

He also reaffirmed Viet Nam's support for stronger solidarity and defense cooperation among Viet Nam, Laos and Cambodia, noting that the annual defense ministers' meeting and joint civil defense exercise are practical mechanisms for building trust and improving coordination in responding to shared challenges.

The host expressed thanks to the Lao Party, State, army and people for facilitating the search for, recovery and identification of the remains of Vietnamese fallen soldiers in Laos, making an important contribution to Viet Nam's "500-day campaign" launched by the Government.

He called on the two defense ministries to prepare and organize activities under the 2027 Viet Nam-Laos Year of Solidarity and Friendship to mark the 65th founding anniversary of diplomatic relations and the 50th anniversary of the signing of the Treaty of Friendship and Cooperation.

For his part, Khamlieng pledged close coordination with Viet Nam's Ministry of National Defense to effectively implement high-level agreements between the two countries and cooperation agreements between the two ministries, further promoting the traditional ties between the two armies and contributing to peace and development in both countries.