Vietnamese, Lao units enhance effectiveness of cooperation in border management and protection

Delegations from the two units sign and exchange the minutes of the talks.

During the meeting, both sides exchanged updates on the economic, political, and social situation of Quang Tri and Savannakhet provinces, as well as the results of their coordination in border protection in recent years. According to reports, border posts under the Quang Tri Provincial Border Guard Command and border companies under the Savannakhet Provincial Military Command have jointly conducted 30 bilateral patrols with a total of 720 participating officers and soldiers. In addition, the two sides have successfully coordinated to organize a joint exercise to prevent irregular migration and illegal entry and exit across the Vietnam - Laos border.

Both sides have maintained regular information sharing and directed their respective units to jointly disseminate information to residents in border areas on compliance with the Protocol on the Vietnam - Laos border and border markers; and the Agreement on Land Border Management Regulations and Border Gates. These efforts have contributed to raising public awareness, promoting vigilance, encouraging the reporting of criminal activities, and maintaining security and order in border areas.

Furthermore, the Quang Tri’s border guard force has supported the Savannakhet Provincial Military Command with equipment, worth more than VND 900 million, and organized training courses on border guard for 20 officers and soldiers from the Savannakhet Provincial Military Command.

A view of the event

At the talks, the two sides agreed to sign the minutes of the talks outlining several key measures to enhance the effectiveness of border management and protection cooperation in the coming period. These include continuing strict implementation of bilateral border cooperation agreements and Vietnam - Laos legal border documents; strengthening information sharing; enhancing coordination to combat cross-border crime, prevent illegal migration, and counter activities by reactionary groups and drug trafficking networks; and intensifying public outreach to encourage residents on both sides of the border to comply with each country’s laws and bilateral border agreements. These efforts aim to contribute to building a border of peace, friendship, stability, and development.

Translated by Tran Hoai