The event was to review their coordination in border management and protection and crime combat and prevention as well as to agree on coordination contents in the coming time.
Nghe An province of Vietnam borders three provinces of Laos, namely Xiengkhuang, Huaphanh, and Borikhamxay. Over the past years, functional forces of the two sides have effectively coordinated to conduct bilateral patrols, meetings, and exchanges to update each other on situation related to sovereignty and security in border areas and handle circumstances in a timely manner.
In 2022, the two sides conducted 44 bilateral patrols and 132 unilateral ones, contributing to ensuring security and order in border areas. They directed units to inspect and manage border gates, especially illegal border exit and entry situation, to facilitate activities through border gates and checkpoints.
Regarding coordination in crime prevention, military and public security forces of Laos’ localities worked with Nghe An’s military and public security forces to handle hundreds of smuggling cases.
Over the past time, leaders of Laos’ Xiengkhuang, Huaphanh, and Borikhamxay provinces have directed their departments, agencies, districts, and border guard forces to pay attention to checking and protecting border markers.
In 2022, the Nghe An provincial Border Guard Command organized a refresher course on border management and protection for 20 people of the Military Command of Xiengkhuang province. This year, the unit continues to organize a course on the work for 40 people and assist Xiengkhuang, Huaphanh, and Borikhamxay provinces in preventing natural disasters and epidemics.
At the talks, the two sides signed a memorandum of understanding, agreeing to further coordinate in exchanging situations, managing and protecting borders, and fighting crime.
Translated by Tran Hoai