Armed forces of Son La, northern Lao provinces bolster cooperation

The meeting in Son La was among activities to celebrate 55 years of the neighbouring countries’ diplomatic ties (September 5, 1962) and 40 years of the signing of the Vietnam-Laos Treaty of Friendship and Cooperation (July 18, 1977).

Chairman of the Son La provincial People’s Committee Cam Ngoc Minh said his province shares a 250-km borderline with Houaphan and Luang Prabang provinces of Laos. It has set up friendship and signed cooperation documents in all fields with the Lao provinces since 1969.

Son La has maintained delegation exchanges with the Lao provinces to share experience, carry out cooperation activities, and enhance bilateral ties. 

In 2016, it continued to share information, worked with the Lao side to deal with arising security problems, and stepped up communications to encourage border residents to comply with the Vietnam-Laos agreement on national border regulations, he noted.

Minh highly valued the defence-security cooperation between the armed forces of Son La and the northern Lao provinces, adding that it has created a favourable environment for their respective socio-economic development, along with the two countries’ special solidarity and friendship.

At the meeting, participants highlighted coordination between the two sides’ armed forces to manage entry and exit activities, fight drug crimes, smuggling and trade fraud, and prevent epidemics. 

They have ensured security and safety for the increase and upgrade of 125 border markers planted along Son La’s border with Houaphan and Luang Prabang. The armed forces have also worked closely with their respective local authorities to raise public awareness of border-related agreements and regulations.