(VOVworld)- Vietnam and Laos will organize a ceremony to mark the completion of border markers between the two countries and the inauguration of border marker No 460 between the Thanh Thuy border gate in Vietnam’s Nghe An province and the Nam On border gate in the Borikhamxay province of Laos. The Vietnamese and Lao Prime Ministers will attend this historic event, which contributes to the two countries’ national defense and socio-economic development.
The Vietnam-Lao border is 2,060 km long and borders 10 provinces in each country. On July 18, 1977, the two countries signed a Treaty on National Border Delineation. In early 1987, they basically completed the border delineation and installed 214 concrete border markers. These markers provide an important legal basis for Vietnam and Laos to manage and defend the borderline. To build a border of peace, friendship, stability and long-term cooperation on the basis of principles of equality, respect for national sovereignty and territorial integrity, on January 30, 2008, the two governments launched a 6-year project to plant and upgrade the Vietnam-Laos border marker system.
The inauguration ceremony of border marker 635 in Quang Tri (Vietnam) and Savanakhet (Laos)- Photo:ANTD |
Over the past six years, the two countries have exerted every effort, and overcome the difficulties of harsh weather and difficult terrain. Thanks to close cooperation by relevant agencies of the two countries, a system of 835 granite border markers has been planted. The planting and upgrading of border markers has conformed to international practices.
The central province of Ha Tinh shares the longest borderline with Laos. Over the past 6 years, the province has effectively upgraded and planted border markers and strengthened its border patrols and defense. Colonel Nguyen Huy Trung, Chief of Staff of the Ha Tinh province’s Border Defense Force, says: “Thanks to close cooperation between the forces involved in border marker installation in Ha Tinh and Borikhamsay provinces and direction from the provincial steering committee, we have completed the demarcation and plantation of border markers along the borderline. Despite numerous difficulties, we have completed the targets set out by the Central Steering Committee.
The work ran smoothly due to the clear delineation and demarcation of borders between the two countries during the 1977-1986 period. This borderline is reflected in the map that was drawn by both countries in 2003 using advanced technology. This project was implemented with experience learned from the border demarcation between Vietnam and China and between Vietnam and Cambodia, with solidarity and mutual assistance between the peoples and soldiers of Vietnam and Laos. Captain Tha Noong Xong, Deputy Head of the Border Marking Team in Savanakhet province of Laos, says: “We are members of the Border Marking Team No 7 that was in charge of planting and upgrading border markers along the Quang Tri – Savanakhet and Ha Tinh- Kham Muon routes. We have been working closely with Vietnamese soldiers and have always received assistance from leaders of the two countries”.
Despite many difficulties and challenges, a border of peace and friendship has been completed. Through the ups and downs of history, Vietnam and Laos have always stayed shoulder to shoulder, building a special, loyal and noble solidarity that has been rarely seen in world history. The completion of border markers between Vietnam and Laos is of great importance for the two countries and people tightening their bilateral ties.