Kampong Chhnang: Vietnam, Laos, and Cambodia have commenced a collaborative search and rescue exercise at the Royal Gendarmerie of Cambodia Training Centre in the Chum Sen Rikreay area. This initiative, which began on November 18, is focused on “Rescue and relief activities at collapsed structures,” and is being conducted under the auspices of the three countries’ defense ministries.

According to Lao News Agency, the primary goal of the joint drill is to enhance cooperation among the armies of these countries. It aims to bolster support during natural disasters, ensuring prompt assistance for affected populations while minimizing casualties and property damage. At the opening ceremony, Lieutenant General Pen Sokrethvithyea, Director of the Training Command for Cambodia and head of the Training Subcommittee of the Inter-Ministerial Committee, emphasized the importance of this collaboration.

The exercise, hosted by Cambodia, involves coordinated efforts in search, rescue, and relief operations. This includes
evacuating victims and transferring them to various levels of medical facilities, ranging from level I to level III hospitals. Close to 700 soldiers are participating in this year’s exercise, comprising 563 from the Royal Cambodian Army, 64 from the Lao People’s Army, and 71 soldiers from the Vietnam People’s Army. The exercise is scheduled to continue until November 26.