Strengthening policy and legal outreach to Village Chiefs along the Vietnam–Laos Border
WVR - The Ministries of Foreign Affairs of Vietnam and Laos successfully co-organized a conference to disseminate policies and laws to nearly 300 prominent delegates.
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| The conference on disseminating policies and laws to prominent village chiefs on the Vietnam - Laos border was successfully held in Savannakhet Province, Lao PDR. (Photo: Thuy Hoa) |
The two Parties, two States, and the peoples of Vietnam and Laos are joyfully celebrating two historical anniversaries: the 64th anniversary of the establishment of diplomatic relations and the 49th anniversary of the signing of the Vietnam - Laos Treaty of Amity and Cooperation.
The event also takes place on the occasion of the 49th anniversary of the signing of the Vietnam - Laos National Border Delimitation Treaty (18/7/1977 - 18/7/2026).
On October 8, in Savannakhet Province, Laos, the Ministry of Foreign Affairs of the Lao PDR, in coordination with the Ministry of Foreign Affairs of Vietnam, organized the “Second Conference on Disseminating Policies and Laws to Prominent Village Chiefs on the Vietnam - Laos Border”.
Deputy Minister of Foreign Affairs of Vietnam Ngo Le Van and Deputy Minister of Foreign Affairs of Laos Anouparb Vongnorkeo co-chaired the Conference.
The conference was attended by nearly 300 delegates from relevant central agencies, sectors, localities sharing the border of the two countries, and representatives of prominent village chiefs living in the border areas of Vietnam and Laos.
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| Deputy Minister of Foreign Affairs of Vietnam Ngo Le Van, Head of the Vietnamese delegation attending the conference. (Photo: Thuy Hoa) |
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| Deputy Minister of Foreign Affairs of Laos Anouparb Vongnorkeo, Head of the Lao delegation attending the conference. (Photo: Thuy Hoa) |
The main purpose of the conference was to disseminate policies and laws regarding the border of Vietnam and Laos, helping officials, specialized forces, and prominent village chiefs on both sides of the Vietnam - Laos border to grasp and deeply understand the relevant regulations…; thereby enhancing responsibility in managing and protecting the border line, national landmarks, maintaining security and order, and promoting economic development in the border area.
Additionally, the conference contributed to strengthening solidarity, affirming the consistent viewpoint and policy of the two Parties and two States in consolidating and nurturing the great friendship, special solidarity, and comprehensive cooperation between Vietnam and Laos, ensuring it remains evergreen and sustainable forever.
At the conference, delegates listened to and exchanged views on five important topics, including: The security situation and social order in the border area; The role of propaganda work, the significance of village elders and chiefs in disseminating border law regulations; Nationality and household registration work for people in the border area; An overview of border work and Vietnam - Laos cooperation in the new phase; Regulations on entry and exit, commercial activities, and goods exchange across the border, along with issues to note for border residents.
On this occasion, delegates also heard reports from representatives of localities along both sides of the Vietnam–Laos border, who shared practical experiences and lessons learned to improve the effectiveness of border management and protection. The discussions also aimed to promote joint efforts to build a border of peace, friendship, stability and sustainable development.
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| Delegates listen and exchange views on important topics. (Photo: Thuy Hoa) |
The two co-chairs highly appreciated the Central Border Agencies of both countries, the Savannakhet provincial administration, and relevant ministries, sectors and localities for their successful coordination in organizing the conference.
They emphasised the important role of village elders, village chiefs and respected individuals in communities along the Vietnam–Laos border. They regarded these individuals as a core force within local communities, playing a crucial role in communicating legal regulations on border management and protection to people living in border areas.
The Deputy Foreign Ministers of Vietnam and Laos expressed their firm belief that, following the conference, delegates would disseminate its key messages and discussions among local communities.
They would also lead by example and encourage local people to respect and comply with regulations on border management and protection, while actively participating in efforts to prevent violations, such as illegal cultivation, illegal residence, free migration and unregistered marriages.
In addition, they would continue to expand the “village-to-village” twinning model, promote cultural exchanges and socio-economic development, reduce poverty, and steadily improve living standards in border areas.
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| Heads of delegations from both sides visit an exhibition space displaying images of cooperation between Vietnam and Laos in border management and support for the lives of people on both sides of the border. (Photo: Thuy Hoa) |
During the conference, the Vietnamese delegation also laid wreaths at the statue of President Kaysone Phomvihane, visited the Ho Chi Minh Memorial Site, and toured the Savannakhet Special Economic Zone and Inhang Tower in Savannakhet Province.
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| The delegation visits the Ho Chi Minh Memorial Site. |
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| The delegation lays flowers at the Statue of President Kaysone Phomvihane. |
