On the morning of 17/6, the 7th Expanded Border Justice Conference between Vietnamese and Lao provinces (Border Conference) commenced in Hai Phong City. Minister of Justice Hoang Thanh Tung and Deputy Prime Minister, Minister of Justice of Laos Khamphan Phommathat co-chaired the conference, which saw the participation of over 150 delegates representing central ministries and local justice agencies from both nations.

The 7th conference was held as Vietnam-Laos relations continue to develop. The two Ministries of Justice had previously signed a cooperation agreement for the 2026-2030 period and are actively implementing cooperation programs for 2026.

Minister Hoang Thanh Tung affirmed that the Border Conference mechanism provides a practical and effective framework for local justice and civil enforcement agencies. It allows them to directly discuss and propose solutions to enhance cooperation, contributing to ensuring a peaceful life for residents and preserving the peaceful Vietnam-Laos border.

Deputy Prime Minister, Minister of Justice of Laos Khamphan Phommathat and Minister of Justice of Vietnam Hoang Thanh Tung chaired the conference. Photo: Thuy Linh

Agreeing with these assessments, Mr. Khamphan Phommathat stated that the Lao Ministry of Justice consistently values and appreciates the effective support from the Vietnamese Ministry of Justice. He underscored the significance of the Border Conference mechanism in strengthening cooperative relations between localities in the two countries.

At the conference, both sides agreed to accelerate the approval and implementation of a support project from the Vietnamese Government for the Lao Ministry of Justice. This project aims to enhance experience sharing in law formulation and improvement, law enforcement, and cadre training.

The two sides will also strengthen legal dissemination, education, and legal aid for residents in border areas. Furthermore, they will enhance digital transformation in coordination, provide mutual support, and bolster legal cooperation within the ASEAN framework.

Both sides will coordinate in organizing activities to celebrate major anniversaries, including: 45 years of legal and judicial cooperation between the Vietnamese and Lao Ministries of Justice (1987-2027), 65 years since the establishment of Vietnam-Laos diplomatic relations (1962-2027), and 50 years since the signing of the Treaty of Amity and Cooperation (1977-2027).

Both Ministers affirmed that the outcomes achieved at the 7th Conference demonstrate the high political determination of the two Ministries of Justice to effectively implement high-level agreements between the two Parties and States. The Ministers requested functional units from both sides to promptly advise on developing a plan to implement the conference conclusions, ensuring that cooperation activities are carried out on schedule, practically, and effectively.

The 8th Expanded Border Justice Conference between Vietnamese and Lao provinces will be held in Laos in 2028.

Le Tan