President calls for reinforcement of local army units to maintain national security
 
Party Secretary General and State President Thongloun Sisoulith has instructed authorities at all levels to closely supervise local units of the armed forces, in order to strengthen national defence and development.
Speaking at the fifth nationwide meeting of local army units last week, the president highlighted the importance of defence and security forces for overall public security, with the participation of local people and local army units.

Local authorities were instructed to strengthen the capacity of local army units to maintain peace and security, which is essential for national development and improvement of people’s lives, the President said.
“Military personnel at the local level must be trained in revolutionary morals and instilled with patriotic spirit, in parallel with the development of local armed forces,” he added.       
President Thongloun, who is Chairman of the Central Committee for National Defence and Security, said local military units were an important part of the military policy of the Lao People’s Revolutionary Party.
Whether in times of war or peace, the Party regards local army units, with support from home-grown people, as key defence and security forces, both in the past to repel foreign imperialists, and in the current task of national protection and development.
The President said that by maintaining peace and security at the local level, development progress and poverty reduction would take place unimpeded.
Local army units have actively contributed to their strategic mission by deepening the praiseworthy role and function of the army, maintaining awareness, and boosting development in different parts of the country.
As a result, the country’s independence, sovereignty and entire territory have been protected, while political stability and social order have been maintained.
The President urged military personnel to improve themselves and to be disciplined, apply science and technology in the advancement of the armed forces, and help local communities to develop their regions.
He also encouraged military officials to create model families and form close associations with people at the grassroots level in order to maintain peace and security to facilitate national development.
The two-day meeting was organised by the Ministry of National Defence and attended by senior officials from Vientiane and the provinces.
They included Standing Member of the Party Central Committee Secretariat and Vice President of Laos, Dr Bounthong Chitmany, and Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of National Defence, General Chansamone Chanyalath.

By Times Reporters
(Latest Update March 7, 2021)