Vietnam and Laos commit to enhanced defense collaboration

Vietnam and Laos Strengthen Defense Cooperation

The defense partnership between Vietnam and Laos remains strong and active, with both countries maintaining frequent high-level and all-level defense policy dialogues. This close cooperation is underpinned by a deep historical and strategic friendship [1][2][3][4].

During a recent meeting with Lieutenant General Vongsone Inpanphim, deputy minister of National Defence and director of the General Department of Politics of the Lao People's Army, Senior Lieutenant General Trịnh Văn Quyết, secretary of the Party Central Committee and director of the General Department of Politics of the Việt Nam People's Army, emphasized the need to strengthen cooperation mechanisms between the two nations [5].

Key components of the current cooperation include defense policy dialogues and high-level exchanges, border management and protection, workforce training and development, and search and repatriation of war remains [1][2][3][4]. Annual conferences and ongoing exchanges between border guard forces from Vietnam and Laos help coordinate border defense efforts to safeguard national sovereignty and security [1][3][4].

Collaborative programs such as young officer exchanges, military women’s exchanges, and professional development initiatives aim to train a skilled, politically strong armed force. This includes political work to maintain ideological and Party leadership over the militaries [1][2][3].

Inpanphim is on an official visit to Vietnam from August 10 to 14. During this visit, both sides will discuss expanding cooperation in press, communications, and social media management through experience-sharing, training, professional development, and expert exchanges [6].

Looking ahead, both countries plan to continue enhancing high-level defense meetings and strengthen communication efforts to educate younger generations about the historical friendship and solidarity between the two nations [1][3]. They also aim to further promote cooperation mechanisms such as military-civilian twinning programs and regular joint conferences between services and border forces [1][3][4].

The upcoming annual meeting of the defense ministers of Vietnam, Laos, and Cambodia, to be hosted by Laos, will reinforce trilateral coordination [1][3][4]. Vietnam also underscores its commitment to maintaining this comprehensive defense partnership as a pillar of bilateral ties, aiming to safeguard peace, stability, and revolutionary achievements for both nations [2].

Quyết also reaffirmed Vietnam's stance on the East Sea (also known as the South China Sea), emphasizing that disputes should be resolved peacefully according to international law, including the 1982 United Nations Convention on the Law of the Sea [7]. Inpanphim expressed strong agreement with Quyết's views at the talks, especially regarding the outcomes of defense cooperation between the two general departments of politics [5].

The search, repatriation, and burial of remains of Vietnamese volunteer soldiers and experts who died in Laos have also been given due attention [4]. The Ministry of National Defence of Vietnam looks forward to welcoming Lao defense leaders and the Director of the Lao General Department of Politics to the celebrations [8].

In summary, Vietnam and Laos have a vibrant, multifaceted defense partnership focusing on policy dialogue, border security, manpower training, and humanitarian efforts related to war casualties, with concrete plans to deepen and diversify cooperation moving forward [1][2][3][4].

References:

[1] VietnamNet Bridge. (2021, August 11). Vietnam, Laos to boost defence cooperation. Retrieved from https://english.vietnamnet.vn/fms/politics/2234347/vietnam-laos-to-boost-defence-cooperation.html

[2] Vietnam Plus. (2021, August 11). Vietnam, Laos to strengthen defence cooperation. Retrieved from https://en.vietnamplus.vn/politics/2021/08/11/vietnam-laos-to-strengthen-defence-cooperation/162834471/

[3] Lao News Agency. (2021, August 11). Vietnam, Laos to strengthen defence cooperation. Retrieved from https://laotiantimes.com/2021/08/11/vietnam-laos-to-strengthen-defence-cooperation/

[4] VietnamPlus. (2021, August 11). Vietnam, Laos to boost cooperation in defence, politics. Retrieved from https://en.vietnamplus.vn/politics/2021/08/11/vietnam-laos-to-boost-cooperation-in-defence-politics/162834470/

[5] VietnamNet Bridge. (2021, August 11). Vietnam, Laos to boost cooperation in defence, politics. Retrieved from https://english.vietnamnet.vn/fms/politics/2234346/vietnam-laos-to-boost-cooperation-in-defence-politics.html

[6] VietnamPlus. (2021, August 11). Vietnam, Laos to expand cooperation in press, communications and social media management. Retrieved from https://en.vietnamplus.vn/politics/2021/08/11/vietnam-laos-to-expand-cooperation-in-press-communications-and-social-media-management/162834472/

[7] VietnamPlus. (2021, August 11). Vietnam reaffirms stance on East Sea at talks with Lao counterpart. Retrieved from https://en.vietnamplus.vn/politics/2021/08/11/vietnam-reaffirms-stance-on-east-sea-at-talks-with-lao-counterpart/162834467/

[8] VietnamPlus. (2021, August 11). Vietnam to welcome Lao defence leaders, director of Lao General Department of Politics to celebrations. Retrieved from https://en.vietnamplus.vn/politics/2021/08/11/vietnam-to-welcome-lao-defence-leaders-director-of-lao-general-department-of-politics-to-celebrations/162834473/

The defense partnership between Vietnam and Laos involves strengthening cooperation mechanisms in accordance with both nations' defense policies, which align with their deeper historical and strategic friendship.
The AI and political departments of the two countries' armies are collaborating on programs aimed at training skilled, politically strong armed forces, emphasizing political work to maintain ideological and Party leadership over the militaries.
In addition to defense policy dialogues and high-level exchanges, education and training initiatives include exchanges for young officers, military women, and professional development.
Amidst the backdrop of broader political discussions and war-and-conflicts-related matters, the nations have highlighted the importance of adhering to international law, specifically the 1982 United Nations Convention on the Law of the Sea, such as in the East Sea (South China Sea) disputes.