Speaking at a ceremony marking the 50th anniversary of the National Border Committee (1975–2025) in Hanoi, the Prime Minister praised the committee’s role in addressing border issues through peaceful means, contributing to regional stability and improved relations with neighbouring countries.

He noted border-related issues must be handled on the basis of firm principles combined with flexible approaches, in line with international law and bilateral agreements to which Vietnam is a party, in order to prevent tensions and ensure long-term stability.

He highlighted the importance of legal and diplomatic tools, stressing that international law, particularly the 1982 United Nations Convention on the Law of the Sea (UNCLOS), should serve as a key foundation in resolving territorial matters.

The Prime Minister also underlined the strategic role of socio-economic development in border areas, saying improving livelihoods would help strengthen public support and reinforce national security.

He described residents in border areas as “living markers” of national sovereignty, saying investment in border regions should be at least equal to, or higher than, that in inland areas to strengthen stability and national security.

On October 6, 1975, a government decree signed by then Prime Minister Pham Van Dong established the Border Committee, clearly defining its political mandate and mission to assist the Government Council in strengthening the protection of national sovereignty, territory and borders on land and at sea, including islands, the continental shelf and Vietnam’s maritime rights and natural resources.

The decision was described as historic, reflecting the strategic vision and close attention of the Party and the State to border and territorial affairs.

Over the past 50 years, building on a tradition of unity, resilience and sustained effort, the National Border Committee has fulfilled the tasks entrusted by the Party and the State, making important contributions to the delimitation and demarcation of land and maritime boundaries, safeguarding national independence, sovereignty, unity and territorial integrity, and helping to build peaceful, stable and developing borders between Vietnam and its neighbouring countries.

On land, through persistent negotiations based on principled positions combined with flexible approaches and in accordance with international law, Vietnam has completed the delimitation of its land borders with China, Laos and Cambodia. Border demarcation and marker placement have been fully completed with China and Laos, while 84% of the workload has been completed with Cambodia.

Legal documents defining borders and border management regimes have also been signed, contributing to the establishment of peaceful, stable, friendly and cooperative borders and enhancing Vietnam’s image as a peace-loving and internationally integrated country.

At sea, the committee has coordinated with relevant ministries and agencies to establish and protect Vietnam’s legitimate rights and interests in line with international law, particularly the 1982 United Nations Convention on the Law of the Sea (UNCLOS). It has advised and conducted negotiations leading to several maritime delimitation and cooperation agreements with neighbouring countries, including Cambodia, Thailand, Malaysia, Indonesia and China, and has played an active role in addressing complex issues in the East Sea.

Foreign Minister Le Hoai Trung said the achievements and outcomes recorded over the years reflected the strategic vision and political resolve of the Vietnamese Party and State, with the National Border Committee playing a pioneering role in implementing that vision.

In recognition of its sustained efforts to safeguard national sovereignty and territorial integrity, the Party and the State have awarded the committee a number of high honours, including the title of Hero of Labour, the Ho Chi Minh Order, and the Orders of Independence of first, second and third class, along with other commendations.

At the December 15 ceremony, the National Border Committee was awarded the First-class Labour Order in recognition of its contributions over the past five decades.

Vietnamese, Cambodian PMs hold talks during Tan Nam-Meun Chey international border gate inauguration

VOV.VN - Vietnamese Prime Minister Pham Minh Chinh and his Cambodian counterpart Hun Manet on December 8 held talks on the sidelines of the joint inauguration of the Tan Nam (Tay Ninh province, Vietnam) – Meun Chey (Prey Veng province, Cambodia) international border gate to review the achievements of bilateral cooperation to date and discuss measures to further boost ties.