The Vietnamese delegation was led by Standing Deputy Minister of Foreign Affairs Nguyen Minh Vu, while the Lao side was headed by Deputy Minister of Foreign Affairs Maythong Thammavongsa.
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A view of the 34th meeting |
In an atmosphere imbued with great friendship, special solidarity, comprehensive cooperation, deep mutual trust, and on the basis of mutual understanding and respect, the two sides engaged in in-depth discussions and assessments of the situation and the results of the implementation of the Agreement on the Regulations on Land Border and Border Gate Management between Vietnam and Laos signed in 2016 (Agreement 2016 in short), as well as the minutes of the 33rd meeting over the 2024–2025 period. The meeting also identified directions for cooperation consistent with the relationship of “great friendship, special solidarity, comprehensive cooperation, and strategic connectivity” between Vietnam and Laos in the coming period.
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Standing Deputy Foreign Minister Nguyen Minh Vu speaks at the event. |
The two sides exchanged views and assessed the situation of border management work in 2025, and proposed solutions aligned with practical realities in order to further promote and enhance the effectiveness of border management under the new circumstances.
During the 2024–2025 period, the Vietnam - Laos Joint Border Expert Team conducted 10 field surveys, promptly addressing emerging issues in the border area. The two sides effectively coordinated in managing and protecting the borderline and national border markers; managing construction activities in border areas in strict accordance with Agreement 2016, particularly projects within 100 meters on either side of the borderline; and managing and developing border gates, achieving a number of positive results. Immigration management and control at border gates and border crossings were carried out in compliance with relevant international treaties and bilateral agreements between Vietnam and Laos, contributing to the maintenance of security, order, and social safety in border gate areas.
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Lao Deputy Minister of Foreign Affairs Maythong Thammavongsa at the event |
They also strengthened coordination in implementing professional measures to promptly detect, combat, and effectively prevent cross-border and trans-national criminal organizations and networks, in accordance with relevant international treaties and agreements signed by Vietnam and Laos. They worked closely together in implementing agreements related to cross-border trade as agreed upon in the minutes of the 33rd annual meeting, and regularly coordinated in conducting information dissemination and public awareness campaigns on the two legal documents concerning the Vietnam - Laos border, as well as bilateral agreements and regulations related to border management and protection.
At the meeting, the heads of the two border delegations engaged in extensive exchanges and reached important common understandings on the directions and tasks for cooperation in 2026 across various areas, including management and protection of the borderline and national border markers; management of construction activities in border areas and at border gates; management of entry, exit, and cross-border movement; maintenance and protection of security, order, and social safety in border regions; promotion of cross-border trade and development cooperation; and dissemination and education on border-related laws.
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Heads of the two delegations sign the minutes of the meeting. |
The two sides agreed to initiate preparatory work to ensure effective implementation of joint inspections of the borderline and national border markers in accordance with the Protocol on the Borderline and Border Markers signed on March 16, 2016, and Agreement 2016, as well as to proceed with amendments and supplements to Agreement 2016 to make it more suitable to the new situation. The two sides also agreed to hold the 35th meeting in Vietnam in the fourth quarter of 2026.
Translated by Tran Hoai