Vietnam - Laos - Cambodia strengthen traditional friendship and good neighborliness

Photo caption — Scene of the annual meeting of the Defense Ministers of Vietnam, Laos and Cambodia. Photo: Xuan Tu/VNA

The high-ranking delegation of the Vietnamese Ministry of National Defense was led by General Phan Van Giang, Politburo member, Deputy Secretary of the Central Military Commission, Minister of National Defense; the high-ranking delegation of the Lao Ministry of National Defense was led by Senior Lieutenant General Khamlieng Outhakaysone, Central Committee member of the Lao People's Revolutionary Party, Minister of National Defense; and the high-ranking delegation of the Cambodian Ministry of National Defense was led by General Tea Seiha, Deputy Prime Minister, Minister of National Defense, attended the meeting.

Speaking at the meeting, Lao Defense Minister, Senior Lieutenant General Khamlieng Outhakaysone said that the annual meeting between the Defense Ministers of the three countries is a symbol of the solidarity and friendship between Laos, Vietnam and Cambodia. According to Senior Lieutenant General Khamlieng Outhakaysone, Laos, Vietnam and Cambodia are three countries that share a common border and destiny. The people of the three countries have a tradition of helping each other and fighting side by side against common enemies. Regardless of conditions, circumstances, space or time, the three countries cannot be separated from each other. Therefore, the armies of the three countries must be the core force in building, preserving, protecting and developing the precious friendship and solidarity between the three countries.

General Tea Seiha reaffirmed his firm commitment to strengthening the traditional friendship and good neighborliness that bring mutual benefits to the people of the three countries; highly appreciated the effective cooperation between the three countries' armies on the basis of mutual respect and trust, contributing to maintaining peace , stability and prosperity in the border areas as well as contributing to the building of the ASEAN Community.

For his part, General Phan Van Giang emphasized that Vietnam, Laos, and Cambodia are close neighbors. Historical and natural factors have created a close and solid bond that allows the three countries to support and complement each other to coexist, develop, and protect each other. The three countries once shared the leadership of the Indochinese Communist Party in the past struggle against colonialism and imperialism, and for national independence for each country. Unity is a precious national tradition of all three nations.

Practice has proven that strengthening solidarity and cohesion among the three countries and three armies is an objective necessity, a vital law and a top important factor in ensuring peace, stability and development of each country. Vietnam always gives top priority to constantly strengthening and consolidating the relationship of trust and cohesion with Laos and Cambodia; always appreciates the wholehearted support and assistance of the two countries in the past struggle for national liberation and reunification, as well as in the cause of building and defending the Fatherland today.

At the meeting, the Defense Ministers of the three countries assessed that in a volatile world and region, all three countries have maintained political stability; continued to achieve important results in socio-economic development, defense and security. Cooperation between the three countries has been promoted, in particular, defense and security cooperation has always been an important pillar in the overall relationship between the three countries. The Defense Ministries of the three countries have closely coordinated and effectively implemented the common perception of the three countries' senior leaders.

Notably, timely information exchange and effective consultation with senior leaders of the three countries on military, defense and strategic issues affecting each country's defense and security; close and effective cooperation between border protection forces has contributed to maintaining a peaceful and stable border, creating a solid foundation for economic development and trade; propaganda and education work for the people and armies of the three countries, especially the younger generations, about the history, significance and importance of preserving and promoting the solidarity relationship of the three countries is highly valued.

To further deepen defense cooperation among the three countries in the coming time, the Defense Ministers of the three countries agreed on practical cooperation contents.

Firstly, continue to consolidate and further tighten the solidarity and close relationship between the three countries and three armies; firmly maintain the stance of not allowing any hostile force to use the territory of one country to harm the interests of another; maintain annual meetings and contacts between the three Ministers and leaders of the Ministry of National Defense and leaders of the three armies, while at the same time increasing the exchange of situations and effectively consulting with the three countries' senior leaders on military and defense.

Second, continue to strengthen cooperation in border management and protection, contributing to building a peaceful, cooperative and sustainably developed border; regularly share information and situations, promptly detect and coordinate to effectively handle issues arising at the grassroots level.

Third, continue to enhance the coordination capacity between the three countries' armies in responding to non-traditional security challenges, through sharing experiences and organizing drills such as disease prevention and control, search and rescue, and the fight against cross-border crimes.

Fourth, attach more importance to propaganda and education for the army and people, especially the young generation, about historical truth, the meaning and importance of the solidarity of the three countries for the destiny of each country.
Fifth, continue to coordinate common stances at international and regional multilateral forums and mechanisms, especially mechanisms within ASEAN such as the ASEAN Defense Ministers' Meeting (ADMM) and the ASEAN Defense Ministers' Meeting Plus (ADMM+); maintain ASEAN's solidarity and central role in international issues.

Source: https://baotintuc.vn/chinh-tri/viet-nam-lao-campuchia-tang-cuong-quan-he-huu-nghi-truyen-thong-lang-gieng-tot-dep-20251015200658177.htm