The defense cooperation between Vietnam and Laos has seen significant advancements, with Lao General Secretary and President Thongloun Sisoulith expressing confidence that this will serve as a solid foundation and support for the enduring solidarity and comprehensive cooperation between the two nations.

Meeting with his Laotian counterpart, Senior Lieutenant General Khamliang Outhakaysone, a high-ranking Vietnamese military delegation led by Chief of the General Staff and Deputy Minister of Defense Senior Lieutenant General Nguyen Tan Cuong was warmly welcomed during a visit to Vientiane, Laos on May 10, 2023. Part of the official agenda for the visit was a meeting with Lao Defense Minister Chansamone Chanyalath and General Secretary Thongloun Sisoulith, who are also president and vice prime minister, respectively.

Prior to briefing the senior Lao leaders, Senior Lieutenant General Nguyen Tan Cuong discussed the outcomes of his previous meeting with General Khamliang Outhakaysone. As far as defense and security cooperation is concerned, he reaffirmed the determination of the two countries' armed forces to work together. The Vietnamese People's Army is prepared to collaborate with the Lao People's Army in national defense and economic development through the exchange of information and the sharing of valuable experiences in the face of complicated international developments.

Vietnamese General Nguyen Tan Cuong conveyed his country's profound appreciation to Laos for the priceless assistance it has given to Vietnam in its long fight for independence and in its present mission of socialist building and national defense. He stressed that Vietnam is committed to maintaining and strengthening the long-standing friendship and solidarity with Laos.

Vietnam and Laos have made great progress in their defense cooperation, and General Secretary and President Thongloun Sisoulith was overjoyed to hear the news upon hearing the report. He has faith that this will serve as a rock upon which the two peoples' unity and all-encompassing collaboration can rest.

He emphasized that the two nations' militaries have a long and illustrious history of development, having been inseparable throughout the fight for national liberation. The military alliance between Vietnam and Laos is notable for its unique emphasis on mutual sacrifice. That is why he hammered home the point that the present and future generations have an obligation to carry on the valiant work of the past and to strengthen the unique relationship that exists between the two nations' leadership, citizens, and army.

Chansamone Chanyalath, Laos's Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Defense, spoke highly of the outcomes of the discussions between the two countries' military leaders. He thanked Vietnam for its unending and genuine support and assistance to Laos during its developmental stages, expressing confidence that Laos will be able to use Vietnam's valuable experiences to achieve comprehensive development in the future, particularly in the defense and military sectors.

The high-ranking Vietnamese military delegation received a formal reception from the Lao Ministry of Defense that same day in the afternoon. Negotiations between the parties began after the reception. The two Chiefs of General Staff praised the functional agencies of both ministries for their cooperative efforts and successful execution of events throughout the "Vietnam-Laos, Laos-Vietnam Solidarity and Friendship Year 2022."

Both sides acknowledged during the talks that the current political environment on a global and regional scale is characterized by complex and rising tensions, as well as dangers and instability brought about by a variety of subversive forces. That is why, going forward, the militaries of the two countries must work together more closely and efficiently, actively coordinating their actions to guarantee the safety and stability of both nations' governments. Among these measures, we must strengthen our collaboration in HRD—an area vital to any sustainable long-term plan—and step up our public outreach initiatives aimed at teaching people, particularly the youth of today, the value of the "great friendship, special solidarity, and comprehensive cooperation between Vietnam and Laos."