Vietnam, Laos Boost Defence Ties with Joint Border Management

Vietnam and Laos have held high-level talks to further strengthen defense cooperation between the two countries. The 3rd Vietnam–Laos Border Defence Friendship Exchange (ministerial level) took place on July 9–10 in the Nam On–Thanh Thuy auxiliary border gate area, spanning Vietnam's Nghe An province and Laos' Bolikhamxay province. Prior to the talks, the defense ministers of both nations jointly participated in the traditional ceremony of repainting Border Marker No. 460. This symbolic ritual reflects the determination of the Parties, States, and armed forces of both countries to safeguard every marker of national sovereignty, preserve the achievements of border demarcation and marker planting, and develop the Vietnam–Laos border into a symbol of peace, stability, cooperation, and development. Over the past decade, the twinning relationship between Thuy Phong village in Nghe An’s Kim Bang commune and Xop Tuong village in Nam On commune, Xaychamphone district, Bolikhamxay province of Laos, has become a model for fostering a shared border of peace, friendship, and cooperation. This is part of Vietnam's traditional emphasis on building good relations with neighboring countries, particularly highlighting solidarity between socialist nations. This exchange materializes Vietnam's foreign policy of building relations based on "independence, sovereignty, territorial integrity, mutual respect for political regimes, and mutual benefit." It demonstrates Vietnam's commitment to contributing to peace and stability in the region. Additionally, the establishment of a broadcasting station, a gift from the Vietnamese Ministry of National Defence to Laos, aims to strengthen coordination between border guard forces and reaffirm solidarity between the two countries, indicating a focus on regional security. Vietnam has been diversifying its international relations in recent years. The strengthening of defense cooperation with Laos can be interpreted as a move to maintain and enhance strategic partnerships within the ASEAN region, especially amidst increasingly complex relations with China. Vietnam aims to expand its economic growth and international influence while maintaining its one-party system, and stable relations with neighboring countries serve as a foundation for these objectives. In Vietnamese cultural life, gratitude toward preceding generations has long been preserved as an integral part of the nation's identity. This tradition is reflected in ancestor worship practiced in families, the Worship of the Hung Kings, village deities, national heroes and eminent cultural figures, as well as tributes to generations who sacrificed their lives for the nation's independence and freedom. Cuba and Vietnam on July 10 commemorated six Cuban military experts who lost their lives 60 years ago while supporting the Vietnamese people's resistance war, reaffirming the enduring solidarity and defence ties forged through the two countries' shared history. Two-way trade reached 7.8 billion USD in 2025, with the Philippines remaining one of Vietnam's largest importers of rice. Cooperation in education, cultural exchanges and other areas has also continued to expand. Venezuelan officials expressed profound gratitude for Vietnam's timely assistance and selfless solidarity, affirming that the support will always be remembered by the Venezuelan people. The following is a list of selected news summaries reported last night by the Vietnam News Agency. General Secretary of the Communist Party of Vietnam Central Committee and State President To Lam hosted separate farewell receptions in Hanoi on July 9 for the outgoing ambassadors of Belgium, Norway, the Netherlands and Brazil. The ambassador said the establishment of Vietnam's first honorary consulate in Phuket reflects both countries' commitment to enhancing cooperation with the Andaman sea economic gateway while meeting growing demand for consular services and better support for Vietnamese citizens and the Vietnamese community in southern Thailand. Ludwig said he was impressed by Vietnam's socio-economic achievements as well as its rich culture and cuisine. He highly appreciated the unity, dynamism and valuable contributions of the Vietnamese community to the development of Vienna and Austria. The station, funded and built by the Vietnamese Ministry of National Defence as a gift to Laos, is intended to strengthen coordination between border guard forces, reaffirming solidarity between the two countries. Vietnam has signed more than 1,400 international commitments and agreements since the start of the 13th National Party Congress’s term. Over 350 new pacts have been inked since early 2026 alone, driven by high-level diplomatic activities. Speaking at the ministry's regular press briefing, Hang highlighted the significance of the Politburo's recent decision to invest in primary and secondary boarding schools in 248 land border communes nationwide. Vietnam will continue working closely with the European Free Trade Association (EFTA) member states to sign their free trade agreement (FTA) at an early date and effectively implement its commitments. The following is a brief review of the day’s events as reported by the Vietnam News Agency. Presenting the Government’s proposal, Minister of Public Security Luong Tam Quang said the draft resolution is intended to institutionalise the Party’s policies and provide legal safeguards for officials who carry out innovation, think big, act bold, and pursue the common good without engaging in corruption, wastefulness or misconduct. The new designation means that alongside the Ho Chi Minh monument and park, Vladivostok now has another public landmark bearing the name of Vietnam's revered leader. Throughout a century of development, the two sides have remained resilient in the face of changing global circumstances, continuously strengthening the Party building to reinforce their leadership and provide the political foundation for socialism building in each country, said Chinese Ambassador He Wei. The ninth friendship exchange between Vietnamese and Philippine navies, held on Song Tu Tay island in the Truong Sa (Spratly) special zone of Vietnam, aimed to further strengthen friendship, cooperation, mutual trust and understanding between the army forces and navies of Vietnam and the Philippines, while effectively implementing bilateral naval cooperation agreements. Minister of Foreign Affairs Le Hoai Trung said he hopes the two countries will together open up a new chapter of stable, substantive and effective development in their relationship based on respect for each other's independence, sovereignty, territorial integrity and political regimes, as well as mutual benefit. At a meeting with Martin Briens, Secretary-General of the French Ministry for Europe and Foreign Affairs, in Hanoi on July 8, Foreign Minister Le Hoai Trung highlighted the positive developments in bilateral ties since the two countries elevated their relationship. He noted that Vietnam–France cooperation has generated tangible benefits for both peoples while contributing to peace, stability, dialogue, and cooperation in the world. Copyright, VietnamPlus, Vietnam News Agency (VNA) Editor-in-chief, Mr. Tran Tien Duan.