The Cambodian and Vietnamese armies are to join disaster relief exercises hosted by the Lao military from September 1- 3, according to the Ministry of National Defence.

General Moeng Samphan – ministry secretary of state and chairman of its emergency preparedness, coordination and recovery working group – said at an August 3 meeting that the exercises are intended to prepare manpower, equipment and facilities.

Lieutenant General Pang Thearo, deputy head of the ministry’s General Secretariat, said Cambodia is preparing emergency equipment and assigning forces experienced in disaster relief.

These would included detachments experienced in plane crashes, emergencies in high-rise buildings, powerful storms and typhoons, and flood and drought relief to participate in the exercises in Laos.

“At the invitation of the Lao People’s Armed Forces, Cambodia will send 40 specialised forces and a large number of emergency equipment to participate in the exercise,” Thearo said.

Kin Phea, director of the Royal Academy of Cambodia’sInternational Relations Institute, told The Post on August 4 that the drills would bring a number of benefits.

“The exercises between the militaries of Cambodia, Laos and Vietnam will show the solidarity between the three neighbouring countries, and also present the exchange of experience.

“It is a good precaution to get the three countries prepared for any future disasters that may occur so we are fully prepared. This has to be seen as a good thing,” Phea said.