Vientiane: The Office of the Vietnamese Defence Attach© in Laos hosted a year-end gathering in Vientiane to welcome the Lunar New Year of the Horse 2026. This event served as an occasion to review a year of bilateral defence cooperation and further solidify the relationship between Vietnam and Laos, following the elevation of their ties to 'Strategic Cohesion.'

According to Lao News Agency, among the attendees were notable Lao figures such as General Chansamon Channhalat, former Politburo member and Deputy Prime Minister; Senior Lieutenant General Vongsone Inpanphim, Secretary of the Party Central Committee, Deputy Minister of National Defence, and Director of the General Political Department of the Lao People's Army; and Bunleua Phandanouvong, member of the Party Central Committee and head of the Party Central Committee's Commission for External Relations.

In his remarks, Vietnamese Defence Attach© Colonel Phan Huu Thang highlighted significant political milestones achieved by the two countries in 2025. He emphasized the historic elevation of their bilateral relations to a 'Strategic Cohesion' framework, indicating a new era of trust and solidarity. He reiterated that defence and security cooperation remains a core pillar, underpinning economic, cultural, and educational collaborations.

Senior Lieutenant General Vongsone Inpanphim extended his New Year wishes to Vietnamese counterparts, underscoring the unique brotherhood between the two nations, characterized by shared sacrifices and destinies. He affirmed the enduring bond between Laos and Vietnam, pledging that the Lao People's Army is committed to enhancing cooperation with Vietnam.

Inpanphim praised Vietnam's support in areas such as personnel training, technical expertise, and border cooperation, identifying these as crucial components for the peace, stability, and development of both nations.