On the afternoon of April 24, hundreds of soldiers and officers from neighbouring countries Laos and Cambodia were seen training diligently in Binh Duong Province ahead of a grand military parade marking Vietnam’s Reunification Day on April 30.
The delegations from the Lao People’s Army and the Royal Cambodian Armed Forces had earlier arrived in Ho Chi Minh City at the invitation of Vietnam’s Ministry of National Defence. On the evening of April 22, over 100 troops from each country took part in their second joint rehearsal held on Le Duan Street in the city centre.
Lieutenant Colonel Biphoss, Commander of the Intervention Unit of the Royal Cambodian Gendarmerie, said the Cambodian troops had spent about ten days training at home before departing for Vietnam.
According to standard parade procedures, the military units are required to march in unison for a distance of approximately 100 metres, then chant slogans and transition into a ceremonial step for the next 300 metres. During this stage, Cambodian soldiers are instructed to swing their arms with precision, reflecting the discipline and style of their armed forces.
The joint training sessions for the Lao and Cambodian contingents are being held in Binh Duong, around 30 kilometres from Ho Chi Minh City.
Lieutenant Colonel Biphoss noted that the climate in Binh Duong is similar to that of Cambodia, which helped the team quickly adapt to local conditions.
The Cambodian soldiers selected for the parade boast impressive heights, ranging from 1.8 to 1.85 metres. Lieutenant Colonel Biphoss emphasised that the participants were carefully chosen to ensure uniformity and to present a strong, dignified image during the event.
Under the scorching sun, Cambodian troops continued their drills with determination, sweat glistening on their faces, yet remaining cordial and open in conversations with Vietnamese reporters.
Approximately 300 metres away, Lao soldiers were also engaged in afternoon rehearsals on April 24, carefully preparing their uniforms and footwear ahead of the training.
Colonel Sompheng Keosira, head of the Lao delegation, expressed his pride in taking part in the parade. “I promise to give my utmost effort to contribute to the success of the 30th April celebrations,” he said.
One week earlier, the Lao contingent had flown into Phu Bai Airport in Hue, before transferring to Tan Son Nhat Airport in Ho Chi Minh City and proceeding to their accommodation in Thu Dau Mot City for training.
The Lao soldiers moved in strict military formation, with three commanders positioned at the front and on each flank to maintain precise marching cadence.
Colonel Nguyen Dinh Chuan, Political Commissar of the Binh Duong Provincial Military Command, said the province is honoured to provide logistics and facilities for the military delegations from China, Laos, and Cambodia. “It is both our responsibility and pride to contribute to the success of this historic event,” he said.
The participation of foreign armed forces in the parade highlights the spirit of friendship and solidarity among nations and offers an opportunity to celebrate with the people of Vietnam.
After the day’s training, the Vietnamese and foreign troops packed away their weapons and gear in designated storage areas in preparation for the next session.
The celebration of the 50th anniversary of the liberation of southern Vietnam and national reunification is scheduled to begin at 6 a.m. on April 30. The event will feature four ceremonial guard units, 36 marching blocks, 12 civil parade units, and representatives from the armed forces of Laos, Cambodia, and China. The Chinese contingent is expected to begin their training on April 26.
