The 9th Border Defense Friendship Exchange took place on April 16-17 in Lang Son Province (Vietnam) and Guangxi Zhuang Autonomous Region (China). The Vietnamese delegation was led by General Phan Van Giang, Politburo member and Minister of National Defense; the Chinese delegation was led by Senior Lieutenant General Dong Jun, member of the Central Committee of the Communist Party of China and Minister of National Defense.

Senior Lieutenant General Hoang Xuan Chien, member of the Party Central Committee, member of the Central Military Commission, Deputy Minister of National Defense. (Photo: Border Guard Newspaper)

Speaking at the summary conference, Senior Lieutenant General Hoang Xuan Chien emphasized: The Exchange Program is a special event of great significance, taking place right after the State visit to Vietnam by General Secretary and President of China Xi Jinping, in the context of the two countries celebrating the 75th anniversary of establishing diplomatic relations and the Vietnam - China Humanitarian Exchange Year 2025.

This is an opportunity to strengthen friendship, solidarity, and promote substantive cooperation between border guards, local authorities, and people in the border areas of Vietnam and China, opening up new opportunities for both sides to cooperate and develop. The activity also contributes to affirming the determination of both sides in joining hands to foster traditional friendship and continue to deepen the Vietnam-China Comprehensive Strategic Cooperative Partnership.

The 9th Exchange has many new points, expanded in scale and form with many rich activities. For the first time at the Exchange, the Defense Ministers of the two countries witnessed the naval fleets of the two countries reporting online on the preparation for the joint patrol and giving orders to depart for the patrol. The two Ministers participated in many joint activities organized within the framework of the program such as: visiting the border management and protection units of the two sides, visiting schools and giving gifts to teachers and students of the two schools, visiting the smart border gate model at Huu Nghi Quan Border Gate, Viettel Lang Son Logistics Center, planting friendship trees, etc.

Appreciating the proactive and positive spirit and close coordination between relevant agencies and units, Senior Lieutenant General Hoang Xuan Chien praised the efforts in preparing and organizing the event. He also affirmed that the success of the Exchange is a clear demonstration of the realization of high-level common perceptions reached between the two countries.

Regarding future orientations, Senior Lieutenant General Hoang Xuan Chien suggested continuing to maintain and promote the form of border defense exchanges with China as well as with other neighboring countries. At the same time, research and innovate the content and organization methods so that exchange activities become increasingly richer, more practical and more effective.

Senior Lieutenant General Hoang Xuan Chien, Deputy Minister of National Defense, presented Certificates of Merit from the Minister of National Defense to the groups. (Photo: People's Army Newspaper)

On this occasion, collectives and individuals with outstanding achievements in advising, organizing and participating in the Friendship Exchange were awarded Certificates of Merit by the Minister of National Defense, Chief of the General Staff and Director of the General Department of Politics of the Vietnam People's Army.

Source: https://thoidai.com.vn/giao-luu-quoc-phong-bien-gioi-viet-trung-lan-thu-9-hien-thuc-hoa-nhung-nhan-thuc-chung-cap-cao-212967.html