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An overview of the talks. |
At the talks, the two sides exchanged views and assessed the global, regional and border-area situations, and reached a consensus that although the situation still contains potential complexities, thanks to the leadership and direction of the Parties, States and Ministries of National Defense of the two countries, together with the pro-active efforts of local armed forces, political security and social order and safety along the Nghe An – Bolikhamsai – Xieng Khouang – Hua Phan border areas have been maintained and consolidated.
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Heads of delegations sign the Memorandum of Understanding. |
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Exchange of the Memorandum of Understanding |
The two sides highly appreciated the coordination results in 2025, particularly in information exchange, dissemination among border residents to strictly comply with Vietnam–Laos border legal documents, joint patrols, management and protection of the borderline and national border markers, and the fight against crime, especially drug-related crimes and illegal entry and exit. During the year, the units of both sides organized dozens of joint patrols, briefings and situation exchanges, and promptly handled emerging border-related issues.
In addition, the Nghe An Provincial Border Guard Command and its border guard stations actively supported the provincial military commands and border companies of Laos through practical activities such as providing gifts on holidays and traditional festivals; organizing professional training courses on border management and protection; supplying equipment and essential goods; and effectively implementing the “Paving the Way to School for Children – Adopted Children of Border Stations” program for students from the Lao provinces.
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Senior Colonel Tran Quang Trung (right), Political Commissar of the Nghe An Provincial Border Guard Command, presents gifts to representative of the Lao participating units. |
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Delegates pose for a group photo. |
In the spirit of the special Vietnam–Laos solidarity and friendship, the two sides signed a Memorandum of Understanding, agreeing to further strengthen information exchange; maintain annual talks; enhance the effectiveness of joint patrols; coordinate in preventing the illegal trading and transportation of livestock and goods across the border; jointly manage mineral exploitation activities in border-adjacent areas; and stand ready to support each other in search and rescue operations, disaster prevention and response, and disease control.
The two sides also agreed to establish a hotline between their staff agencies to promptly exchange information and handle emerging issues, contributing to the building of a Vietnam–Laos border of peace, stability, cooperation and sustainable development.
Translated by Trung Thanh