Defense cooperation a key pillar of Vietnam-Laos special relationship
Defense cooperation remains an important pillar of the great friendship, special solidarity, comprehensive cooperation and strategic cohesion between Vietnam and Laos, General Phan Van Giang has emphasized.
General Phan Van Giang, Politburo member, Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of National Defense, received General Khamliang Outhakaysone, Politburo member of the Lao People's Revolutionary Party, Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of National Defense, in Hanoi on June 9.
The Lao guest is accompanying Lao Prime Minister Sonexay Siphandone on his official visit to Vietnam and attendance at the third ASEAN Future Forum in Hanoi.
Congratulating General Khamliang Outhakaysone on his new position and wishing him a successful visit to Vietnam, General Phan Van Giang said defense cooperation between the two countries has continued to be carried out in a comprehensive, extensive and substantive manner.
Discussing future cooperation, he suggested both sides should focus on exchanges at all levels, particularly high-level visits, maintain existing cooperation mechanisms, strengthen cooperation in Party and political work, and coordinate preparations for the third Vietnam-Laos Border Defense Friendship Exchange, the annual meeting of the defense ministers of Vietnam, Laos and Cambodia, and a joint exercise involving the armed forces of the three countries on responding to non-traditional security challenges.
The host also proposed that the two sides direct relevant agencies to launch practical activities marking two major milestones in 2027: the 65th anniversary of diplomatic relations and the 50th anniversary of the signing of the Treaty of Amity and Cooperation between Vietnam and Laos, designated as the Vietnam-Laos Friendship and Solidarity Year, according to VOV.
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| General Phan Van Giang, Politburo member, Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of National Defense, receives his Lao counterpart ( Photo: qdnd.vn) |
He called for continued close coordination in the search for and repatriation of the remains of Vietnamese martyrs who died in Laos, and expressed hope that the Lao Ministry of National Defense will continue supporting these efforts.
On the occasion, Giang invited General Khamliang Outhakaysone, the Lao military and Lao defense industry enterprises to attend and display products at the third Vietnam International Defense Expo, slated for December 2026.
Accepting the invitation, General Khamliang Outhakaysone said the traditional relationship between Vietnam and Laos has always been nurtured by both sides. He noted that both defense ministries maintain regular meetings and exchanges, thereby contributing to stronger defense ties.
The two sides have achieved positive results in areas including delegation exchanges, particularly at the high level, information sharing, joint border patrols, human resource training, and coordination in the search for and repatriation of Vietnamese martyrs' remains.
General Khamliang Outhakaysone asked both defense ministries to continue carrying out agreed areas of cooperation, further deepening practical and substantive defense ties between the two countries.
Vietnam, Timor-Leste agree to expand multifaceted cooperation
Prime Minister Le Minh Hung and his Timor-Leste counterpart Rala Xanana Gusmao held talks in Hanoi on June 9, agreeing to further expanding the two countries’ cooperation in various spheres.
Welcoming his guest on an official visit to Vietnam and attendance at the third ASEAN Future Forum, PM Hung described the trip as a demonstration of the high level of political trust, friendship and mutual support between the two countries.
He congratulated Timor-Leste on its recent significant achievements, especially the fact that Timor-Leste has officially become a member of ASEAN, calling this an important milestone contributing to the solidarity, centrality, and vitality of the bloc.
The host expressed his confidence that with a strong commitment to integration, Timor-Leste will soon fully and effectively participate in ASEAN's cooperation mechanisms, thereby joining other member states in contributing to peace, stability, and sustainable development in the region.
PM Xanana Gusmao congratulated Vietnam on its socio-economic development achievements, as well as its successful hosting of the third ASEAN Future Forum (AFF-3), which holds great importance for exchanging visions on regional cooperation.
Thanking Vietnam for its support for Timor-Leste throughout the country’s process of applying to join ASEAN, he stressed that Vietnam is not only a reliable friend but also an effective and close development partner of Timor-Leste.
The two PMs shared the view that Vietnam and Timor-Leste boast considerable potential and advantages to further expand cooperation for the benefit of their peoples, as well as for stable, self-reliant, and sustainable development in the region.
Expressing their delight at the strides in Vietnam – Timor-Leste relations, they agreed to continue consolidating political trust, increasing high-level mutual visits and meetings between their parties, states, governments and parliaments, and promoting people-to-people exchanges.
They also agreed to effectively implement the signed high-level agreements and documents, including the Framework Agreement on Economic and Technical Cooperation, and to soon hold the first meeting of the Vietnam – Timor-Leste Joint Committee co-chaired by the two foreign ministers, with a view to elevating bilateral relations to a new level on the occasion of the 25th anniversary of diplomatic ties in 2027.
Both PMs welcomed the signing of cooperation documents on visa exemption, education, and information and communications during the visit, creating an important stepping stone for strengthening people-to-people exchanges and expanding collaboration in various fields, reported VNA.
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| The talks between Vietnamese PM Le Minh Hung and his Timor-Leste counterpart Rala Xanana Gusmao in Hanoi on June 9 (Photo: VNA) |
Regarding economic, trade, and investment partnerships, the two leaders agreed on the need to better tap into their countries’ potential and complementary strengths; promptly ratify and effectively implement the Bilateral Trade Agreement; and promote cooperation in the fields of rice, farm produce, fisheries, textiles – garment, footwear, essential consumer goods, telecommunications, digital transformation, infrastructure, agriculture, and services.
The visiting leader requested Vietnam to continue supplying its strong products to the Timor-Leste market, especially rice, thus helping ensure food security for his country.
He highly valued the investments by Vietnamese businesses, especially Viettel with its Telemor brand, which have positively contributed to the development of digital infrastructure and connectivity in Timor-Leste. He expressed his hope for more Vietnamese businesses to come to invest in agriculture, fisheries, tourism, infrastructure, and natural resources exploitation.
Meanwhile, PM Hung proposed that the two sides step up the negotiation and signing of an agreement on investment promotion and protection, and consider the establishment of a bilateral mechanism on the economy, trade, and investment to provide timely support for businesses.
The two leaders also agreed to bolster ties in potential areas such as defense – security, agriculture, fisheries, food security, education – training, human resources development, culture, tourism, sports, transport connectivity, and people-to-people exchanges. They concurred in boosting the exchange of experiences in sustainable agricultural development, climate change adaptation, marine economy development, and sustainable fisheries, including aquaculture, fishing, and processing.
PM Hung affirmed that Vietnam is ready to share its experience in development, international integration, and human resources training, and to send experts to support Timor-Leste in areas that meet its needs.
Regarding multilateral cooperation, the two PMs agreed to strengthen coordination and mutual support at the United Nations, ASEAN, and other regional and international forums while jointly maintaining ASEAN's solidarity and centrality, and promoting peace, stability, cooperation, and development in the region, including upholding international law and the 1982 UN Convention on the Law of the Sea (UNCLOS).
Concluding the talks, they agreed to direct relevant ministries and agencies to implement the agreements and common understandings reached, contributing to the increasingly substantive and effective development of Vietnam – Timor-Leste relations.
On this occasion, the two sides exchanged several cooperation documents, including a memorandum of understanding (MoU) on higher education cooperation between Vietnam’s Ministry of Education and Training and Timor-Leste’s Ministry of Higher Education, Science and Culture; an MoU on educational cooperation between Vietnam’s Ministry of Education and Training and Timor-Leste’s Ministry of Education; a visa exemption agreement for holders of ordinary passports between the two Governments; and an MoU between the Vietnam News Agency and the TATOLI News Agency.
Vietnamese, Chinese youth promote traditional friendship
A dialogue between Vietnamese and Chinese youth on inheriting the revolutionary tradition was held on June 9 in Sanming city, China's Fujian province, offering a platform for both countries' young people to exchange views and strengthen mutual understanding.
The event was part of the “Red Study Tour” program, aimed at helping participants gain deeper insights into the revolutionary history and traditional friendship between Vietnam and China.
Addressing the dialogue, Nguyen Thai Trung, Counsellor at the Vietnamese Embassy in China, encouraged young people from both countries to share their understanding and expectations regarding the history, culture and development of Vietnam and China while respecting each other’s perspectives.
He said in-depth exchanges will help young people share experiences, foster understanding and build consensus, thereby laying a foundation for stronger friendship and cooperation between the two countries.
The diplomat expressed his hope that Vietnamese students in China will continue to serve as an important bridge connecting the two nations and promoting bilateral friendship so that more Vietnamese and Chinese people, as well as those from other countries, can gain a better understanding of both countries and their close-knit ties.
During the dialogue, youth representatives from the two sides shared the view that Vietnam and China have maintained not only close exchanges throughout history but also extensive cooperation in various fields such as culture, education and the economy, VNA reported.
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| Participants in the Vietnam – China youth dialogue in Sanming city, China's Fujian province, on June 9 (Photo: VNA) |
They noted that younger generations are not only a witness to the traditional friendship between the two countries but also its inheritor and future builder.
Speaking on behalf of Vietnamese youth, Phan Thi Phuong described the Vietnam – China friendship as a valuable asset and a priceless spiritual legacy. She stressed the need for young people of both countries to make full use of exchange opportunities, enhance mutual understanding and contribute to preserving bilateral ties.
Participants agreed that inheriting and passing on the spirit of Vietnam – China friendship to future generations is not merely a slogan but a great responsibility. They expressed confidence that cooperation between the two countries will continue to expand in areas such as the economy, science – technology, and education, with youth serving as an important driver.
Nguyen Hong Van, another Vietnamese youth representative, called on young people of both countries to work together to uphold and promote friendship and exchanges so that the relationship of being “both comrades and brothers” continues to flourish in the new era.
Meanwhile, Chinese youth representative Tian Xiaobei said the dialogue helped sow the seeds of friendship among young people from the two countries. She expressed her hope that youth exchanges will continue to expand, allowing friendship to deepen and opening a new chapter in bilateral relations through the enthusiasm and aspirations of younger generations.
Sharing a similar view, Cai Yuxuan said young people today are not only learners of the friendship forged by previous generations but also inheritors of the enduring ties between Vietnam and China.
Cai said she hopes young people in Vietnam and China will further engage in efforts to preserve their traditional friendship and keep the spirit of being “both comrades and brothers” alive for generations to come.
Northern Vietnam sees temperatures plunge by 10 degrees amid heavy rain
A rare cold front moved into northern Vietnam on the evening of June 8, triggering widespread heavy rain and a sudden drop in temperatures across the region.
The National Centre for Hydro-Meteorological Forecasting reported that the cold air mass officially began affecting the northern provinces of Cao Bang and Lang Son during the afternoon.
Temperatures plunge by 10 degrees in Cao Bang
The combination of cooler air and intense rainfall caused temperatures in Trung Khanh District of Cao Bang Province to fall dramatically by around 10 degrees, dropping from 33°C to approximately 23°C within a short period.
The cold air mass is currently generating heavy rain across Thai Nguyen, Tuyen Quang and parts of Quang Ninh Province.
Meteorologists forecast that from the evening of June 8 through the night of June 9, widespread heavy rainfall will continue across northern Vietnam before gradually expanding into north-central provinces, including Thanh Hoa and Nghe An.
The heaviest rainfall is expected in the northwestern region, northern Phu Tho Province and Tuyen Quang Province, where accumulated rainfall could reach 80-160mm, with isolated locations receiving more than 250mm.
Elsewhere in northern Vietnam, rainfall totals are forecast at 20-50mm, with some areas exceeding 100mm.
In Thanh Hoa and Nghe An provinces, rainfall is expected to range between 50-100mm, with some locations likely to receive more than 150mm.
The widespread rain event is forecast to weaken from June 10.
Cooler weather but growing risk of severe storms
Meteorologists said the late-season cold air mass will bring unusually cool and comfortable overnight temperatures to northern Vietnam on June 8 and 9, with lows ranging from 21°C to 25°C.
However, weather experts have warned that the arrival of cooler air immediately following an extended period of intense heat could trigger powerful convective storms.
Residents are advised to remain alert for dangerous weather conditions, including severe thunderstorms, tornado-like whirlwinds, hail and strong wind gusts, VNN reported.
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| Heavy rain affected northern Vietnam on the evening of June 8 as a rare June cold front moved into the region. Photo: Minh Hoang |
Heavy rainfall over a short period could also cause localised flooding in low-lying areas, urban centres and industrial zones. Flash floods on small rivers and streams, as well as landslides in mountainous northern provinces, are also considered significant risks.
Strong winds may damage rooftops, uproot trees and affect vulnerable structures.
Authorities urged residents who need to travel outdoors during this period to closely monitor weather conditions and take appropriate precautions.
Flood warnings issued for northern rivers
Hydrological experts forecast a new flood event on major rivers in northern Vietnam between the evening of June 8 and June 10.
Water levels on upstream sections of major river systems are expected to rise by between two and four metres.
Peak water levels on smaller rivers could reach Alert Level 1 or Alert Level 2 thresholds.
Meteorological agencies have also issued warnings of a high risk of flash floods and landslides in mountainous and midland provinces across northern Vietnam.
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