Minister of Foreign Affairs Bùi Thanh Sơn delivers the opening speech at the conference on Friday. — VNA/VNS Photo Bùi Doãn Tấn

HÀ NỘI — The Ministry of Foreign Affairs, in coordination with relevant ministries, organised a conference in Hà Nội on Friday to review 25 years since the signing of the Việt Nam-China border treaty and 15 years since the signing of three legal documents on the land border between the two countries.

The three legal documents are the protocol on border demarcation and marker planting, the agreement on border management regulations, and the other on border gates and regulations on the management of border gates.

In his opening remarks, Minister of Foreign Affairs Bùi Thanh Sơn affirmed that the signing of these four documents was of great historical significance, opening up a new chapter in the Việt Nam-China relationship. The signing also marked a major milestone in the history of building the shared borderline, thus contributing to creating and maintaining a peaceful and stable environment in the region and the world.

Additionally, the completion of border demarcation and marker planting has also promoted socio-economic development, especially in border provinces of both countries, Sơn said.

He added that finishing the settlement of the land border issue between Việt Nam and China was a significant milestone in the bilateral relationship, which has experienced many ups and downs. It is also an achievement built on political determination, wisdom, and tireless efforts of generations of Vietnamese and Chinese people, particularly in the new era under the leadership of the two communist parties.

This historical achievement has laid a legal and political foundation for the two countries to maintain a peaceful and stable environment for economic development and ensure security and defence, fulfilling the aspirations of their people, he stated.

Since the three legal documents on the Việt Nam-China land border took effect and the two countries officially began managing the land border in accordance with these documents, the overall situation has been stable. The borderline and markers have been maintained, and public order and safety in the border areas have been ensured. Both sides have paid attention to opening and upgrading border gates, connecting transport infrastructure, and boosting friendship exchanges.

The Việt Nam-China Land Border Joint Committee and relevant forces have closely collaborated in border management and protection, promptly detected and effectively addressed any emerging border issues, the minister added.

The two sides have to date demarcated the entire 1,449.566km-long border, and planted 1,971 markers, including one at the Việt Nam - China - Laos border junction, and 1,548 main and 442 auxiliary markers.

The conference was an opportunity for ministries, sectors, and localities to evaluate achievements. It also revealed shortcomings in border management and protection. The aim was to draw lessons, find solutions and contribute to maintaining a borderline of peace, friendship, and sustainable development for the two countries' people. — VNS