He was speaking at a
conference reviewing the implementation of a master plan on increasing and
upgrading Vietnam-Laos border markers in Hanoi on September 19.
The PM said before the
master plan, only one marker was installed every 10km and even 40km of the
border line. There are now 1,002 border markers and more than 2,337 poles
standing along the borderline, with most of them lying in mountainous areas
having rough terrains.
At the conference
The outcome is of significance as it serves as a foundation to complete
a legal dossier for the Vietnam-Laos border line, he said.
"The completion of the
master plan is an important event which demonstrates the unity, mutual trust
and understanding between the two Parties, States and peoples,” he said.
This work is also a vivid
symbol of the special, long-standing friendship, solidarity and comprehensive
cooperation between Vietnam and Laos, helping to facilitate exchanges of border
residents, consolidate political security, social order and safety, and guarantee
national defense and border security, PM Phuc said.
He applauded efforts made
by relevant Vietnamese ministries, agencies and ten border localities which
have constructively participated in the work, and thanked the Lao Government,
ministries, agencies and people for their cooperation and support during the
implementation of the master plan.
Talking about potential
risks to regional and global security, PM Phuc underscored the need to build
and protect the national border on the basis of equality and mutual respect, in
line with international law.
To improve the efficiency
of border management in the new situation, the leader pointed to the necessity
to carry forward outcomes of border marker planting and upgrading, take care of
material and spiritual life of border residents, especially ethnic minorities
living in difficult circumstances, preserve a border of peace, friendship and
cooperation, and ensure security and order, with attention paid to drug crime
combat.
Vietnam and Laos should
continue their collaboration in realizing the protocol on borderline and border
markers, and the agreement on land border and border checkpoint management
mechanisms, he said.
The PM also called for
close coordination between Vietnamese and Lao ministries, agencies and
localities in promoting trade, investment and tourism in the border areas.
Efforts should be
channeled into developing socio-economic infrastructure, especially in
transport, and border gates, he said.
Another important job is
to raise public awareness of the significance of the border markers, he added.
Vietnam-Laos borderline
stretches as far as nearly 2,337km, through ten Vietnamese and ten Lao
provinces. On July 18, 1977, the two countries concluded negotiations and
signed the Convention on National Border Demarcation.
Accordingly, from
1978-1987, both sides basically completed border demarcation in the field and
settled emerging issues such as the transfer of land, people and assets in line
with international law.
From 2008-2016, they
partnered to implement the project on increasing and upgrading Vietnam-Laos
border markers, with the participation of more than 1,000 personnel.
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