Khamliang Outhakaysone, Politburo member, Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of National Defence of Laos, led a senior military delegation on an official visit to the Socialist Republic of Vietnam from 12 to 15 October 2026. Vietnamese Politburo member, Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of National Defence Phan Van Giang and senior officers of the Vietnam People's Army welcomed the delegation.

Following the welcome ceremony, the two defence leaders held bilateral talks. They reviewed the results of the past year, during which the Lao and Vietnamese armed forces carried out the terms of their five-year agreement and the 2026 annual cooperation plan effectively, and reached their targets.

Both sides agreed to keep helping one another across several areas:

Party and political work

The two militaries regularly share information on defence matters and exchange delegations. Their units also send visits, learn from each other's experience and meet regularly, from senior command down to local levels. These exchanges have been effective and have followed the plans agreed upon.

Border management and security

Border forces from both countries have increased their joint patrols to protect the border markers. They have also taken the lead in curbing and cracking down on transnational crime, drug trafficking and illegal border crossings.

Planning and training

• Technical teams from both ministries finalised the content of the 2027 cooperation plan in September 2026.
• Vietnam's Ministry of National Defence continued to train, develop and build up personnel for the Lao People's Army under the agreed plans, with positive results.

Community development projects

The two sides coordinated closely to push forward and monitor three new village development projects in Borikhamxay, Khammouane and Attapeu provinces. Work on these projects is now roughly 70 to 80 percent complete.

Recovering war remains

During the 2025-2026 dry season, joint search teams recovered 173 sets of remains of Vietnamese volunteer soldiers and experts who died in Laos during the war. In May 2026, the Lao government and the Lao People's Army held a solemn ceremony to honour these fallen personnel and return their remains to Vietnam with full dignity.

Technical support and defence industry

The two armies have shared lessons, scientific knowledge and modern technology in a practical way. Vietnam has helped the Lao People's Army maintain, repair and upgrade its weapons and equipment to keep its forces ready for any situation.

Healthcare

Vietnam has provided medical treatment for Lao military officers at the Central Hospital 108 of the Vietnam People's Army. Patients received dedicated care from doctors, and the treatment was effective and safeguarded their health.

Infrastructure

Vietnam's Ministry of National Defence has supported the Lao People's Army across the board, especially in building infrastructure and offices. Projects completed successfully include a border command headquarters, the 988th close-protection battalion and working offices at local Lao army regiments.

International cooperation

Both countries support each other in regional and international forums, including the ASEAN Defence Ministers' Meeting and its Plus format, the ASEAN Chiefs of Defence Forces meeting, various ASEAN and ASEAN-Plus working groups, and regional platforms that discuss global security.

Overall, over the past year the defence ministries of Laos and Vietnam have met their cooperation targets with notable results. Their coordination has been close and effective, guided by the special friendship, comprehensive cooperation and strategic partnership between the two nations. The two armies also signed the 2027 cooperation plan during the visit.

On the same day, Khamliang Outhakaysone and his delegation paid a courtesy call on Vietnamese Prime Minister Le Minh Hung, a Politburo member, during the visit.