Joint Russia–Laos manoeuvres begin, highlighting 65 years of diplomatic ties

The opening ceremony of the Russian–Laotian military exercise Laros-2025 was held in the capital of Laos, Vientiane, the Russian Ministry of Defence reported.

“Servicemen of the Lao People’s Army will practice all stages of practical operations in unified combat formations together with units of Russia’s Eastern Military District,” the ministry said in its statement released on September 19 and quoted by Russian media.

According to the ministry, the Laros-2025 exercises, timed to coincide with the 65th anniversary of the establishment of diplomatic relations between Russia and Laos and the 50th anniversary of the proclamation of the republic, will continue until September 25.

It was noted that after the formal opening ceremony of the manoeuvres, the Laotian side was presented with a static display of modern weapons and military equipment of the Russian Armed Forces.

“The static display included sniper rifles, including the latest models, advanced robotic systems, ground drones equipped with machine guns, as well as light armoured high-mobility vehicles,” the Russian Defence Ministry said.

By Tamilla Hasanova