Vietnam, Laos hold 31st annual border meeting
Hanoi (VNA) – Deputy Minister of Foreign Affairs Nguyen Minh Vu and Lao
Minister of Foreign Affairs Saleumxay Kommasith co-chaired the 31st annual
Vietnam-Laos border meeting held in Hanoi on December 29.
The two sides reviewed the implementation of border work in
accordance with the Protocol on Vietnam–Laos borderline and border markers
signed in 2016 since the previous meeting, and outlined orientations and key
tasks in the coming time.
They underlined that although the implementation of the
agreements and bilateral activities in border management faced various
difficulties triggered by the COVID-19 pandemic, the two countries have exerted
efforts to maintain stability and ensure security, thus facilitating the COVID-19
prevention and control work and cooperation for socio-economic development and cooperation in border
localities.
The management and development of border gates have been paid attention, they affirmed.
Vietnam’s Quang Nam province and Laos’ Sekong province inaugurated the the Nam
Giang-Dac Ta Ooc international border gate pair in August, while some border gates were
reopened to facilitate trade.
Such efforts have strengthened peace and stability in the
countries’ border areas, contributing to the great friendship, special solidarity
and comprehensive cooperation between the two Parties, States and people of Vietnam
and Laos.
Both sides also agreed to continue coordinating in
borderline and border marker management, and propose the Governments allow measures,
particularly the application of ‘vaccine passports’, to create favourable
conditions for travel between Vietnam and Laos amid the ongoing COVID-19
pandemic.
The two sides will issue and apply specific policies and
mechanisms to attract businesses to channel investment in border areas,
especially in the Lao side.
They consented to step up investment in border gate infrastructure and transport connectivity so as to promote trade; and bolster communications on border-related policies for soldiers and people of the countries.
The 32nd meeting is scheduled to take place in the fourth quarter of 2022 in Laos./.