Vietnamese Minister of Foreign Affairs Bui Thanh Son and his Lao counterpart Saleumxay Kommasith co-chaired the meeting. Photo: VNA

Vietnam and Laos recently held an online meeting to review the pilot implementation of the one-stop-shop inspection model at the Lao Bao (Quang Tri) – Densavan (Savannakhet) border gate pair, reported VNA.

Vietnamese Minister of Foreign Affairs Bui Thanh Son and his Lao counterpart Saleumxay Kommasith co-chaired the meeting.

The two sides issued a five-point joint communiqué, saying the pilot implementation of the model demonstrated the political resolve of the two Parties and Governments to facilitate trade and travelling of people and businesses of the two countries and other regional nations, contributing to boosting socio-economic development.

The joint communiqué stated that the Lao Bao – Densavan international border gate pair remains the first among seven mentioned in the Greater Mekong Subregion Cross-Border Transport Facilitation Agreement (GMS-CBTA) to implement the “one-stop-shop” inspection model.

This not only holds significance to the fulfillment of obligations committed by relevant countries in the agreement but also brings in helpful experience in the application of the model in other border gate pairs.

The two sides consented to collaborate on solutions to address difficulties and create favorable conditions for the effective operation of the model.

Both sides expressed their determination to work closely together to map out appropriate solutions for the future as well as with dealing with existing difficulties

The same day, Deputy Minister of Foreign Affairs Nguyen Minh Vu and Lao Minister of Foreign Affairs Saleumxay Kommasith co-chaired the 31st annual Vietnam-Laos border meeting.

The two sides reviewed the implementation of border work in accordance with the Protocol on the Vietnam–Laos borderline and border markers signed in 2016 since the previous meeting, and outlined orientations and key tasks in the coming time.

During the 31st Vietnam-Laos annual border meeting held in Hanoi on December 29, 2021.

Vietnam’s Quang Nam province and Laos’ Sekong province inaugurated the Nam Giang-Dac Ta Ooc international border gate pair in August, while some border gates were reopened to facilitate trade.

The first Vietnam-Laos border defense friendship exchange with meaningful activities was held on Dec. 12 in Huong Hoa district of Quang Tri and Sepon district of the Lao province of Savanakhet, contributing to enhancing friendship and solidarity between the two countries.

Such efforts have strengthened peace and stability in the countries’ border areas, contributing to the great friendship, special solidarity and comprehensive cooperation between the two Parties, States and people of Vietnam and Laos.

Both sides agreed to continue coordinating in borderline and border marker management, and propose the Governments allow measures, particularly the application of ‘vaccine passports’ to create favourable conditions for travel between Vietnam and Laos amid the ongoing pandemic.

The two sides will issue and apply specific policies and mechanisms to attract businesses to channel investment in border areas, especially in the Lao side.

They consented to step up investment in border gate infrastructure and transport connectivity so as to promote trade; and bolster communications on border-related policies for soldiers and people of the countries.

The 32nd meeting is scheduled to take place in the fourth quarter of 2022 in Laos.

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