Quang Binh (VNA) – Representatives from the central province of Quang Binh and Savannakhet province of Laos on December 5 met to discuss and sign a memorandum of cooperation for border protection for 2025.
The event saw the participation of Standing Vice Chairman of the provincial People’s Committee Doan Ngoc Lam, and Savannakhet’s Deputy Governor, Ling Thong Sengtavan.
During the talks, Vice Chairman Doan Ngoc Lam reviewed the ongoing collaboration between the two provinces. He highlighted the stability of security and social order along the shared border, the preservation of border markers, and the effective management of the border system. Border forces from both provinces have cooperated through regular joint patrols, information exchanges, and coordinated actions.
The two provinces have maintained robust relations in defence, security, and border affairs at various levels, including regular annual meetings between provincial leaders and specialised forces.
Efforts have also been directed at educating officials and residents on both sides of the border about national border laws and bilateral legal agreements through diverse and engaging communication channels.
Both provincial governments have invested in infrastructure development and social-economic programmes in border areas, contributing to poverty alleviation and improving the livelihoods of border communities.
Deputy Governor Ling Thong Sengtavan emphasized the need to continue effective implementation of signed agreements. He affirmed that such collaboration would strengthen solidarity between the two provinces and the broader Vietnam-Laos relationship.
The two provinces signed a memorandum to continue fostering regular, close, and effective cooperation in 2025. They committed to maintaining periodic and ad-hoc meetings, ensuring regular exchanges of information among local authorities, professional agencies, and border protection forces.
Both provinces agreed to maintain effective joint border patrols, enforce measures to prevent law violations in border areas, and combat smuggling, illegal drug transportation, and wildlife poaching.
Furthermore, the provinces aim to facilitate investment and business activities in the border region to promote economic, cultural, and social development. They will also strengthen collaboration in cross-border disease prevention and control, minimising the risk of outbreaks. In cases of natural disasters or epidemics, both sides pledged to respond proactively and notify each other promptly./.
