Vietnam and Laos deepen defense and security cooperation in Vientiane

On 6 August 2026, General Nguyễn Trọng Nghĩa, a senior commander of the Vietnam People’s Army, led a delegation to Vientiane to meet Lao President Thongloun Sisoulith and Prime Minister Sonexay Siphandone. The talks reaffirmed both sides’ commitment to expanding and strengthening defence and security cooperation, emphasizing political trust and comprehensive, effective collaboration.

Both parties praised recent achievements and agreed to increase joint work on party and political matters, viewing this as the foundation for deeper bilateral ties. General Nghĩa also expressed gratitude for Lao support of Vietnam’s “500‑day campaign” to locate and identify the identities of war heroes, launched by the Vietnamese government in March 2026.