On the foundation of their signed memorandum ofunderstanding, the two sides agreed to continue to foster their coordinationand implement regulations stated in the legal documents regarding land borderand border gates that were signed by Vietnam and Laos.
They will work closely together in ensuing security, socialorder and safety in border areas, while managing and controlling the crossingof people, vehicles and goods through border gates, while creating favourableconditions for the travelling activities of people and goods between the twocountries. They will coordinate in detecting and arresting criminals in theborder, they pledged.
The two sides agreed to focus on coordination in raising awareness among people in border areas about hostile forces' plots and operation methods of takingadvantage of ethnic and religious issues so that they can enhance vigilance and avoid being enticed or involvedin criminal activities.
They concurred to strengthen exchange and twinningactivities among local units, and advise local authorities to establishtwinning relations among villages and communes along the shared border.
The two sides noted that the political security, socialorder and safety in the northwestern mountainous region of Vietnam and thenorthern region of Laos in general, and Dien Bien and Luang Phrabang provincesin particular have been ensured. However, there are still many risks in theregion due to complicated activities of many kinds of crimes, especially theillegal transporting and trafficking of drug, weapons and explosives, as wellas illegal migration and entry-exit activities, affecting security andorder in the border areas.
Since the beginning of this year, the two sides have handedover to each other 25 citizens committing violations of border and residence regulations,while regularly exchanging information.
They have processed entry-exit procedures for 7,00 peopleand 646 vehicles.
They have supported each other in ensuring security formajor events in each country, while joining hands in supporting needy Laostudents and providing health care for Lao people./.