In a significant step towards reinforcing bilateral ties, Vietnamese Prime Minister Phạm Minh Chính hosted Lao Deputy Minister of National Defence and Chief of the General Staff of the Lao People’s Army (LPA), Lieut. Gen. Saichay Kommasith, in Hanoi on 5 March. The meeting underscored the deep-rooted friendship between Vietnam and Laos, with both leaders pledging to enhance defence cooperation as a cornerstone of their relationship, against the backdrop of broader regional collaboration involving Cambodia.
The encounter, marked by expressions of mutual support, highlighted the strategic importance of defence collaboration in national building and security for both nations. Prime Minister Chính reiterated Vietnam’s commitment to standing by Laos during its developmental challenges, emphasising sustainable growth and military synergy. “Defence collaboration remains a crucial pillar of our bilateral relationship,” he noted, pointing to shared achievements in military planning, intelligence sharing, and strategic consultations.
A Legacy of Friendship
The Vietnam-Laos relationship, often described as a “great friendship” by leaders of both countries, has been a bedrock of stability in the region. This bond, forged through decades of mutual support during times of conflict and reconstruction, continues to play a pivotal role in the national security and development strategies of both nations. During the meeting, PM Chính expressed Vietnam’s appreciation for Laos’ historical and ongoing support, particularly in defence and nation-building efforts. 
Lieut. Gen. Kommasith reciprocated the sentiment, briefing the Vietnamese leader on the outcomes of recent talks between the General Staff of the LPA and the Vietnam People’s Army. Both sides agreed to accelerate joint initiatives, focusing on implementing agreements reached by their respective leaderships, including the 2024 Vietnam-Laos High-Level Agreement. Additionally, outcomes from a recent trilateral meeting involving Vietnam, Laos, and Cambodia were highlighted as a framework for future cooperation.
Key areas of focus include strategic consultations through high-level meetings and the Defence Policy Dialogue mechanism, as well as reinforcing border security. The leaders discussed plans to build border village clusters, a move aimed at fostering peace and stability along the shared frontier. Human resources training, logistics, information technology, and defence industry collaboration were also identified as priority areas, alongside mutual support at multilateral forums.
Regional Dynamics and Trilateral Cooperation
The meeting in Hanoi comes at a time when regional security dynamics are increasingly complex, with Southeast Asian nations seeking to balance internal stability with external pressures. The trilateral framework involving Vietnam, Laos, and Cambodia has gained prominence as a mechanism to address shared challenges, including transnational crime and border security. PM Chính urged both armies to translate the outcomes of the February trilateral meetings—held in Ho Chi Minh City among party leaders and prime ministers of the three nations—into concrete actions.
This trilateral cooperation is seen as a vital component of regional solidarity. Analysts suggest that strengthening military exchanges and joint activities among the three countries could serve as a counterbalance to geopolitical tensions in the broader Indo-Pacific region. If implemented effectively, such initiatives may enhance collective security capabilities, though the specifics of these agreements remain subject to confirmation.
Among the priorities outlined by PM Chính were increased military exchanges, personnel training, and collaboration in emerging fields like cybersecurity. He also stressed the importance of technical support and logistics, alongside efforts to strengthen the management and protection of the Vietnam-Laos border. These measures, he argued, are essential for maintaining peace, stability, and development in the border regions while combating transnational crime.
Border Security and Beyond
Border security remains a critical concern for both Vietnam and Laos, given their shared history and the challenges posed by cross-border issues such as smuggling and illegal migration. The proposal to establish border village clusters is a novel approach, aimed at fostering community-level cooperation and ensuring that border areas become zones of peace rather than conflict. While details of how these clusters will operate are yet to be finalised, the initiative reflects a shared commitment to stability.
Beyond immediate border concerns, the leaders discussed the importance of raising awareness about the Vietnam-Laos friendship among their populations and armed forces. This emphasis on cultural and historical ties is intended to deepen mutual understanding and sustain the special solidarity that defines their relationship. Educational and cultural exchanges, alongside military cooperation, are likely to form part of this broader effort, though specific programmes have not yet been announced.
Vietnam’s Support for Lao Aspirations
A notable aspect of the discussions was Vietnam’s pledge to support Laos in forming a United Nations peacekeeping force. This commitment reflects Vietnam’s growing role as a mentor in regional military affairs, drawing on its own experience in contributing to UN peacekeeping missions. While the specifics of this support—whether it will involve training, logistics, or strategic advice—were not disclosed, the gesture underscores Vietnam’s dedication to helping Laos enhance its international standing.
If realised, Laos’ participation in UN peacekeeping could mark a significant step in its military development, potentially opening doors to greater global engagement. However, experts caution that building such a force will require substantial investment in training and infrastructure, areas where Vietnam’s expertise could prove invaluable. As one regional analyst noted, “Vietnam’s support could be a game-changer for Laos, provided the necessary resources and political will are in place.”
### Challenges and Speculative Impacts
While the commitments made during the Hanoi meeting are promising, translating rhetoric into action remains a challenge. Both nations face internal constraints, including budgetary limitations and the need to balance defence spending with other developmental priorities. Moreover, the effectiveness of trilateral mechanisms involving Cambodia will depend on sustained political alignment among the three countries, a factor that cannot be guaranteed given the region’s fluid geopolitical landscape.
Speculatively, enhanced defence cooperation between Vietnam and Laos could serve as a model for other ASEAN member states, demonstrating the value of bilateral and trilateral partnerships in addressing shared security concerns. If border security initiatives succeed, they may reduce transnational crime rates, though there is no confirmed data to support this projection at present. Similarly, joint efforts in cybersecurity and information technology could position both nations as leaders in tackling digital threats, provided investments and expertise are adequately mobilised.
It must be noted, however, that these potential outcomes remain conditional. There is no concrete evidence to suggest immediate impacts on crime rates or digital security, and such claims should be treated with caution until further developments emerge. The focus, for now, remains on building the frameworks and trust necessary for long-term collaboration.
A Shared Vision for the Future
The meeting between Prime Minister Phạm Minh Chính and Lieut. Gen. Saichay Kommasith reaffirms the enduring partnership between Vietnam and Laos, with defence cooperation at its heart. As both nations navigate the complexities of regional security and development, their commitment to mutual support offers a glimpse of stability in an often turbulent region. The emphasis on translating high-level agreements into actionable outcomes, coupled with initiatives like border village clusters and support for UN peacekeeping, signals a forward-looking approach.
For Vietnam, supporting Laos is not merely a bilateral obligation but a strategic imperative, reinforcing its role as a key player in Southeast Asia. For Laos, deepening ties with Vietnam provides a pathway to bolster its defence capabilities and international presence. Together, their collaboration—rooted in history and oriented towards the future—may yet serve as a blueprint for regional solidarity, provided the challenges of implementation can be overcome.
As the two nations move forward, the eyes of the region will be on how they balance these ambitious goals with practical realities. For now, the Hanoi meeting stands as a testament to the strength of the Vietnam-Laos friendship, a bond that continues to shape the security and developmental landscape of Southeast Asia.
