Hanoi: Lieut. Gen. Vongsone Inpanphim, Deputy Minister of Defence, Chairman of the General Department of Politics of the Lao People’s Army (LPA), along with his spouse, is on an official visit to Vietnam from August 10 to 14. This visit comes at the invitation of General Trinh Van Quyet, Chairman of the General Department of Politics of the Vietnam People’s Army (VPA).

According to Lao News Agency, during their talks, which followed a welcome ceremony on August 11, both parties exchanged views on the global and regional situation and the current status of each nation’s armed forces. On the East Sea issue, Vietnam reiterated its commitment to resolving disputes peacefully, adhering to international law, including the 1982 United Nations Convention on the Law of the Sea (UNCLOS). Vietnam underscored the need for full implementation of the Declaration on the Conduct of Parties in the East Sea (DOC) and urged for a swift conclusion and signing of an effective Code of Conduct in the East Sea (COC).

General Quyet highlighted the deep-seated appreciation Vietnam holds for the invaluable support provided by Laos during Vietnam’s struggle for national independence and its ongoing nation-building efforts. Vietnam remains committed to preserving and enhancing its friendship and solidarity with Laos.

The two nations have actively pursued defence cooperation based on existing agreements, achieving notable results. They have worked closely in promoting the special solidarity between their Parties, States, armed forces, and peoples, with an emphasis on exchanging high-level and all-level delegations.

Future cooperation will focus on enhancing high-level meetings, maintaining communication, and strengthening collaboration in journalism and social media. Both sides have agreed to promote delegation exchanges, optimize existing cooperation models, and focus on initiatives like young officer exchanges and military-civilian twinning programs.

Efforts will also continue in searching for and repatriating the remains of Vietnamese soldiers and experts who perished in Laos during wartime. Additionally, both countries are preparing for the annual meeting of the defence ministers of Vietnam, Laos, and Cambodia, to be held in Laos later this year.