General Nguyen Tan Cuong holds talks with Chief of the General Staff of the Lao People’s Army

(Bqp.vn) - Deputy Defence Minister and Chief of the General Staff of the Lao People’s Army (LPA) Lieutenant General Saichay Kommasith paid an official visit to Vietnam from March 4 - 6 at the invitation of General Nguyen Tan Cuong, Chief of the General Staff of the Vietnam People’s Army (VPA) and Deputy Defence Minister.

After a welcome ceremony at the Headquarters of the Ministry of National Defence on March 5, the two sides held talks.

General Nguyen Tan Cuong (R) welcoming Lieutenant General Saichay Kommasith.

General Nguyen Tan Cuong and Lieutenant General Saichay Kommasith inspecting the Guard of Honor of the VPA.

All delegates in a joint photo.

At the talks, General Nguyen Tan Cuong congratulated Lieutenant General Saichay Kommasith on his new position, and expressed confidence that, in his new role, Lieutenant General Saichay Kommasith would contribute to the development of the LPA and further strengthen the bilateral defence cooperation between Vietnam and Laos.

General Nguyen Tan Cuong speaking at the talks.

General Nguyen Tan Cuong emphasised that in recent years, the defence cooperation between the two countries, particularly the two General Staffs, has achieved tangible results, becoming one of the key pillars in the bilateral relationship between Vietnam and Laos.

During the talks.

He noted that the two sides have worked closely on advising leaders of both countries on strategic military and defence matters. Military collaboration has been effectively implemented, particularly along the border areas, where the armed forces and border guards of both countries have cooperated to maintain security and public order. Additionally, cooperation in human resources training has been given special focus, emphasising both quantity and quality. Furthermore, logistics and defence industry cooperation have been promoted, he added.

The VPA’s delegation at the talks.

The LPA’s delegation at the talks.

At the talks, both sides also exchanged their views on global and regional situations of mutual concern. Based on the agreements signed between the two defence leaders, both sides would focus on promoting the effective implementation of the cooperation contents, particularly the Vietnam - Laos high-level agreement signed in 2024, and the trilateral meetings among the party leaders and PMs of Vietnam, Laos, and Cambodia in Ho Chi Minh City on February 22, 2025, while further enhancing strategic dialogue through high - level meetings and the defence policy dialogue mechanism. Vietnam will support Laos in establishing its UN peacekeeping force.

Lieutenant General Saichay Kommasith speaking at the talks.

Both sides also emphasised the need to enhance cooperation between their armed forces and border protection units, strengthen human resources training, and foster collaboration in logistics, information technology, and defence industry. They also reaffirmed their mutual support at international forums.

General Nguyen Tan Cuong presenting a souvenir to Lieutenant General Saichay Kommasith.

For his part, Lieutenant General Saichay Kommasith highlighted the importance of the talks; confirming that the defence cooperation between Vietnam and Laos has increasingly deepened and become more practical.

He agreed that in the coming time, the two sides would continue to promote cooperation on the basis of signed documents, contributing to further strengthening the great friendship, special solidarity, and comprehensive cooperation between the two countries and the two armies as well.