Ho chi minh city: A memorandum of understanding on promoting cooperation between the veterans' associations of Ho Chi Minh City and Laos' Champasak province for the 2026-2030 period was signed at a meeting between their leaders in the southern metropolis on the afternoon of April 1.According to Lao News Agency, the agreement includes a commitment from both sides to regularly exchange experiences in organizing activities, which aims to strengthen and promote the great friendship, special solidarity, and comprehensive cooperation between Vietnam and Laos. The collaboration emphasizes the importance of political and ideological education for members, veterans, and younger generations to preserve and promote bilateral traditions and cooperation.The agreement also highlights the necessity of creating favorable conditions for veteran entrepreneurs to collaborate in economic development in Champasak and Ho Chi Minh City. This initiative is expected to help reduce poverty among veterans in accordance with the law , further solidifying the socio-economic bonds between the two regions.During the meeting, Major General Nguyen Minh Hoang, Chairman of the Ho Chi Minh City War Veterans' Association, noted the association's current membership of more than 101,000 members and over 60,000 former soldiers. He emphasized that the Lao delegation's visit and the working session reinforce the strong ties and exemplary solidarity between the militaries and people of Vietnam and Laos. This relationship is seen as an invaluable shared asset, nurtured and preserved by generations of leaders and citizens from both countries.Colonel Bunmac Vilavong, Chairman of the Champasak veterans' association, echoed these sentiments, affirming the historical solidarity between Vietnam and Laos in their struggle against colonialism and imperialism for national independence. He expressed confidence that the newly signed cooperation agreement would be effectively implemented, thereby strengthening ties between veterans in the two localities and con tributing to the prosperity of both nations.