Deputy Foreign Minister Lê Hoài Trung (L) and Lao Foreign Minister Saleumxay Kommasith at the meeting. VNA/VNS Photo

Vientiane — Việt Nam and Laos agreed to propose their governments allow the resumption of the clearance of goods at main and secondary border gates during the 30th annual border meeting in Vientiane on November 30. 

Deputy Foreign Minister and Chairman of the National Boundary Commission, Lê Hoài Trung, led the Vietnamese delegation to the meeting, while the Lao side was led by Foreign Minister and Deputy Head of the Lao National Border Committee, Saleumxay Kommasith.

Participants reviewed the implementation of the agreement on land border and border gate management regulations, as well as the minutes of the 29th meeting.

They also discussed orientations for cooperation in the future, focusing on measures to further promote socio-economic development in each country and ensure security and defence in shared border areas. 

They also proposed measures to address the difficulties posed by COVID-19 for border management and protection. 

Both sides shared the view that the two countries’ authorities have worked closely on border management, contributing to success in preventing the spread of COVID-19 and encouraging cooperation and exchange in border areas.

They said they would continue to coordinate on implementing agreements on border management signed in 2016 and other relevant agreements.

Efforts made by the two sides had contributed to strengthening the friendship, special solidarity, and comprehensive cooperation between the two countries. 

Heads of the Vietnamese and Lao delegations also signed the minutes of the meeting, agreeing to organise the 31st meeting in Việt Nam in the fourth quarter of 2021. — VNS