Amidst the jubilant atmosphere as the Parties, States, and peoples of fraternal Vietnam and Laos celebrate historic milestones—including the 64th anniversary of the establishment of diplomatic relations, the 49th anniversary of the signing of the Vietnam-Laos Treaty of Friendship and Cooperation, and notably the 49th anniversary of the signing of the Treaty on the Delimitation of the National Border between Vietnam and Laos (July 18, 1977 – July 18, 2026)—the Ministries of Foreign Affairs of both nations jointly organized the "Second Conference on Disseminating Policies and Laws for Exemplary Village Heads along the Vietnam-Laos Border" on October 8, 2026, in Savannakhet Province.
The conference was attended by nearly 300 delegates, including representatives from relevant central and local agencies and sectors of both countries, as well as exemplary village heads residing in the border regions of Vietnam and Laos.
The conference aimed to disseminate policies and laws regarding the Vietnam-Laos border, helping officials, specialized forces, and exemplary village heads from both sides gain a firm grasp and a profound, accurate understanding of relevant regulations. This initiative seeks to enhance their sense of responsibility regarding border management and the protection of national border markers, while also maintaining security and order and fostering economic development in border areas.
Furthermore, the conference contributed to strengthening solidarity and reaffirming the consistent stance and guidelines of the Parties and States of both nations regarding the consolidation and cultivation of the great friendship, special solidarity, and comprehensive cooperation between Vietnam and Laos—ensuring the relationship remains forever flourishing and enduring. At the conference, delegates discussed five key topics: the security and social order situation in border areas; the role and significance of village elders and heads in disseminating border-related legal regulations; nationality and household registration matters for border residents; an overview of border affairs and Vietnam-Laos cooperation in the new era; and regulations regarding immigration, trade, and cross-border goods exchange, alongside important considerations for border residents.
On this occasion, delegates also heard practical insights shared by representatives from localities on both sides of the Vietnam-Laos border. These exchanges aimed to enhance the effectiveness of border management and protection, and to foster a Vietnam-Laos border characterized by peace, friendship, stability, and long-term sustainability.
Vietnamese Deputy Foreign Minister Ngo Le Van and Lao Deputy Foreign Minister Anouparb Vongnorkeo—who co-chaired the event—highly commended the central border agencies of both nations, the Savannakhet provincial authorities, and relevant ministries, sectors, and localities for successfully organizing the conference. They emphasized the vital importance of village elders, village heads, and other influential figures in the Vietnam-Laos border region, recognizing them as a core community force that has played a crucial role in conveying legal regulations regarding border and territorial management and protection to local residents. The two Deputy Ministers expressed their confidence that, following the conference, delegates would disseminate the information and insights shared there to local communities; set a good example and encourage residents to respect and comply with regulations regarding borders and territory; and actively participate in efforts to prevent legal violations (such as unauthorized farming or settlement, spontaneous migration, and unregistered marriages).
At the same time, they urged the continued expansion of "village-to-village" twinning models, the strengthening of cultural exchanges, the promotion of socio-economic development and poverty reduction, and the continuous improvement of living standards for people in border areas.