In a spirit of great friendship, special solidarity, comprehensive cooperation, deep mutual trust, and mutual understanding and respect, the two sides held in-depth discussions to review the situation and assess the implementation of the 2016 Agreement on the Regulations on Border and Border Gate Management on Land between Vietnam and Laos, as well as the minutes of the 33rd annual meeting over the 2024-2025 period. They also set out cooperation directions in line with the bilateral relationship of great friendship, special solidarity, comprehensive cooperation and strategic cohesion in the time ahead.

The two delegations reviewed border management work in 2025 and discussed practical solutions to further improve the effectiveness of border management under the new circumstances.

During 2024-2025, the Vietnam-Laos Joint Border Experts Group conducted 10 field surveys and promptly resolved issues arising along the border. The two sides coordinated effectively in: (i) managing and protecting the border line and national markers; (ii) overseeing construction activities in border areas in accordance with the 2016 Agreement, particularly projects within 100 meters of the borderline on either side; and (iii) managing and developing border gates, achieving a number of positive results.

Exit and entry control at border gates and crossings was carried out in line with relevant international treaties and bilateral agreements between Vietnam and Laos, contributing to security, order and social safety in border gate areas.

The two sides also stepped up operational coordination to promptly detect, combat and effectively prevent cross-border and transnational criminal organizations and networks, in accordance with relevant international treaties and agreements signed by both countries. They worked closely on implementing arrangements related to cross-border trade agreed in the minutes of the 33rd annual meeting, and regularly coordinated communication and dissemination of the two legal documents on the Vietnam-Laos border, as well as bilateral agreements and regulations related to border management and protection.

At the meeting, the heads of the two border delegations held extensive discussions and reached common perceptions on key directions and tasks for cooperation in 2026 across the following areas: management and protection of the border line and national markers; management of construction activities in border and border gate areas; exit, entry and cross-border movement; maintenance of security, order and social safety in border regions; promotion of cross-border trade and development; and dissemination of border-related laws and regulations.

The two sides consented to begin preparatory work to ensure effective joint inspections of the border line and national markers in accordance with the March 16, 2016 Protocol on the Border Line and National Markers and the 2016 Agreement, and to proceed with amendments and supplements to the agreement to reflect the new situation. They also agreed to hold the 35th annual meeting in Vietnam in the fourth quarter of 2026.

Vietnam–Laos step up cooperation in procuracy sector

Within the framework of a visit to and working sessions in Laos from December 18–19, a delegation of the Supreme People’s Procuracy of Vietnam, led by Prosecutor General Nguyen Huy Tien, paid courtesy calls on Lao Prime Minister Sonexay Siphandone and Lao National Assembly President Saysomphone Phomvihane.

Laos, Vietnam hold 12th annual Ministerial Political Consultation

VOV.VN - Lao Foreign Minister Thongsavanh Phomvihane visited Vietnam from December 17-20 to co-chair the 12th annual Vietnam-Lao Ministerial Political Consultation with Vietnamese Foreign Minister Le Hoai Trung, following the cooperation agreement between their foreign ministries.