Vietnam – Laos Complete the Border Marker Posting Project

Vietnamese Prime Minister Nguyen Tan Dung and his Lao counterpart Thongsing Thammavong attended the closing ceremony to mark the completion of the border marker posting project along the Vietnam – Laos border on March 16, 2016 in Hanoi.

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The two sides carried out the project simultaneously along their shared border from 2008. They increased border markers in necessary areas to further clarify the real borders. Meanwhile, existing markers, especially those at border gates, were upgraded, creating a system of solid and modern border markers.

Under the project, 1,002 markers and stakes were posted along the countries’ 2,340km of joint border, compared to only 199 markers before 2008.

The project has not only given a facelift to the border, enabling Vietnamese and Laos authorities to manage their borders easier , but also created a firm international legal foundation for the countries’ cooperation in border and territory protection and management.



Prime Minister Nguyen Tan Dung addresses the closing ceremony to mark the completion
of the border marker posting project along the Vietnam – Laos border. Photo: Thong Nhat/VNA

Prime Minister Nguyen Tan Dung awards Labour and Friendship Medals
to Lao officials in recognition of their contribution to the project. Photo: Thong Nhat/VNA

Lao Prime Minister Thongsing Thammavong awards and Friendship Medals
to Vietnamese officials in recognition of their contribution to the project. Photo: Thong Nhat/VNA

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Under the project, another 1,002 border markers were posted along the 2,340km shared border between the two nations, an increase of 4.5 times in comparison with the total number of 199 markers and stakes of 199 posted before the project.
Addressing the ceremony, the two prime ministers spoke highly of the significance of the project in promoting relations between the two countries.

They described the project another symbol of the countries’ time-tested amity, special solidarity and comprehensive cooperation, built on the basis of respect for each other’s independence and sovereignty, territorial integrity and legitimate interests, and equality and mutual benefits. The project manifests the consensus, mutual trust and understanding that exists between the Vietnamese and Lao Parties, States and peoples.

The two leaders emphasised that besides improving the efficiency of border management and protection and consolidating the national security of each country, the project would facilitate Vietnam-Laos cooperation in many areas, particularly trade, investment, culture and tourism, contributing to the development of the bilateral friendship and comprehensive cooperation. Therefore, they asked relevant agencies to work closely to promote the project’s outcomes to maintain peace, stability, friendship, cooperation and sustainable development along the Vietnam – Laos boundaries.



Prime Minister Nguyen Tan Dung and his Lao counterpart Thongsing Thammavong
witness the signing ceremony of important legal documents marking the project’s completion. Photo: Thong Nhat/VNA

Deputy Prime Minister/Foreign Minister Pham Binh Minh (right) and his Lao counterpart Thonglun Sisoulith
exchange signed documents. Photo: Thong Nhat/VNA
On the occasion, the two sides signed two important legal documents, including a protocol on the border line and markers, and an agreement on regulations on border and land border gate management between the two Governments.

By VNA/VNP