Defense ministers from Laos, Vietnam, and Cambodia have agreed to strengthen border security, speed up work on outstanding border markers, and improve intelligence sharing under a new military cooperation roadmap for 2027.
On 14 October, Lao Defense Minister Khamliang Outhakaysone met his Vietnamese and Cambodian counterparts, Phan Van Giang and Tea Seiha, in Hanoi to discuss the three countries’ defense priorities for next year.
The plans focus on closer coordination along their shared borders, where authorities face challenges including drug smuggling, human trafficking, and illegal border crossings.
Frontline units will increase joint patrols, accelerate the installation of remaining border markers, and share intelligence to help identify and respond to security threats more quickly.
Joint Exercises and Border Coordination
The meeting followed joint disaster response exercises held in Vietnam from 12 to 14 October. The three armed forces practised responding to floods, building collapses, and chemical spills, as well as coordinating field hospitals and emergency medical care.
The three defense ministries also plan to continue regular ministers’ meetings, rotate hosting duties for joint rescue exercises, and expand exchanges between young officers.
The roadmap builds on existing military ties among the three neighbors. In 2027, Laos and Vietnam will mark 65 years of diplomatic relations, while Vietnam and Cambodia will mark their 60th anniversary.
