Tô Lâm Reaffirms Vietnam’s Support for Deeper Defence Cooperation With Cambodia
Tô Lâm Reaffirms Vietnam’s Support for Deeper Defence Cooperation With Cambodia
HANOI, October 17, 2026 — Vietnamese Communist Party General Secretary and State President Tô Lâm has called for stronger defence cooperation with Cambodia, including increased information sharing, improved border management and infrastructure connectivity, as the two countries work toward a bilateral trade target of US$20 billion.
Tô Lâm made the remarks on October 14 during a meeting with Cambodian Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of National Defence Tea Seiha, who was visiting Hanoi to attend the annual trilateral defence ministers’ meeting involving Cambodia, Vietnam and Laos, along with a joint military exercise involving the three countries.
According to Vietnam News, Tô Lâm urged the defence ministries of both countries to strengthen information sharing, improve the management and protection of their shared border, and accelerate official border demarcation in accordance with the law.
He also called for better connections in infrastructure, trade and economic activities across border areas to support the goal of increasing bilateral trade to US$20 billion.
Vietnam reaffirms commitment to defence cooperation
Tô Lâm reaffirmed that Vietnam’s Party and State would continue supporting and facilitating closer, deeper defence cooperation with Cambodia.
He described defence and security cooperation as a key pillar of bilateral relations, highlighting its importance to the broader partnership between the neighbouring countries.
The discussions underscored the two governments’ interest in strengthening coordination on border security while expanding economic links and cooperation in other areas.
Cambodia commits to closer military coordination
In response, Tea Seiha expressed gratitude for Vietnam’s support and briefed Tô Lâm on the outcomes of recent discussions and the signing of the 2027 cooperation plan.
The Cambodian defence minister pledged to lead Cambodia’s armed forces in maintaining close cooperation with their Vietnamese counterparts and organising practical activities to mark the 60th anniversary of diplomatic relations between the two countries in 2027.
Cambodia and Vietnam established diplomatic relations in 1967.
Trilateral cooperation remains a focus
Tea Seiha’s official visit to Hanoi also included participation in the annual defence ministers’ meeting between Cambodia, Vietnam and Laos, as well as a joint military exercise involving the three countries’ armed forces.
The latest discussions reflect the continued emphasis both Cambodia and Vietnam place on defence cooperation, border management and economic connectivity, with the US$20 billion trade target serving as a key objective for their bilateral economic relationship.
