Vietnam-Laos border guards conduct first bilateral provincial-level patrol

Amidst the pouring rain, while the mountains and forests of Western Nghe An were still covered in morning mist, a special patrol team set out.

It was not just a regular border patrol, for the first time in history, a provincial-level bilateral patrol between the Border Guard of Nghe An province (Vietnam) and the Military Command of Houaphanh province (Laos) was organized.

This is considered an important milestone, opening a new chapter in border protection coordination between the two neighboring countries.

The steps of connection

Despite the harsh weather and the rain that lasted all night, from early morning, officers and soldiers from both sides stood side by side, starting the patrol journey through the mountains and forests, lasting more than 122 km. The delegation passed 41 landmarks and 14 stakes, inspected the entire border marker system, assessed the situation of encroachment, encroachment and the risk of violating border regulations.

Not only carrying weapons and specialized equipment, the patrol team also carries the spirit of solidarity and friendship that has been cultivated over many generations. The handshakes, trusting glances and smooth coordination between the two forces are vivid proof of the special Vietnam-Laos relationship.

Lieutenant Colonel Som Nuc Khun Pha Chan, Captain of Border Guard Company 216, Houaphanh Province, shared: "We maintain and carry out bilateral patrols to manage border lines and landmarks regularly and seriously. Every month, Company 216 and Thong Thu Border Guard Station coordinate patrols to manage and protect the border."

Those simple but responsible words reflect the close bond between the Border Guard units of the two countries. It is not only a duty, but also a trust and commitment to preserve every inch of sacred land.

Lieutenant Colonel Hoang The Tai, Political Commissar of Thong Thu Border Post, Nghe An Provincial Border Guard, shared that the area under his management is mainly mountainous, with difficult traffic, harsh weather, and difficult living conditions for the people. These factors make border patrol and control work face many obstacles. However, we always clearly identify that border protection is not only a political task but also a sacred responsibility to the Fatherland. Each patrol, each contact with the people is an opportunity to strengthen the people's hearts, propagate the law, prevent and fight crime, and build a peaceful and friendly border.

Border patrol is not only a military duty but also a symbol of Vietnam-Laos friendship. The silent footsteps in the mountains and forests today not only preserve each milestone and each marker but also demonstrate the strong bond between the two peoples.

For a peaceful, friendly and developing border

Nghe An province has a border of more than 468 km, bordering three Lao provinces: Xiengkhuang, Bolikhamsai and Houaphanh. With rugged terrain and sparse population, border management is always a big challenge. However, with initiative and creativity, up to now, Nghe An Border Guard has organized provincial-level patrols with three opposite localities.

Major General Kham Muong, Commander of the Hua Phan Provincial Military Command, emphasized: "This is the first time a provincial-level bilateral patrol has been organized, which is of great significance in ensuring a peaceful and developed border."

After each patrol, the two sides maintain information exchange, coordinate in preventing and combating cross-border crimes, and disseminate laws to people in border areas. This is an effective cooperation activity, contributing to maintaining security, order and promoting socio-economic development in border areas.

Colonel Ho Quyet Thang, Deputy Commander and Chief of Staff of Nghe An Border Guard, affirmed: “We strictly implement the cooperation agreement between the Vietnam Border Guard and the Lao Border Guard Department, and strengthen border diplomacy with the neighboring provinces. Thereby, we can promptly detect and handle border security violations. This activity will be maintained as a routine, especially in key areas."

In the context of many fluctuations in the region and the world, maintaining a peaceful and stable border is a key factor for sustainable development. Bilateral patrols at the provincial level not only help control the situation on the ground but also provide an opportunity for both sides to evaluate, adjust and improve the effectiveness of cooperation. Through this activity, the work of disseminating laws, raising awareness of border residents about territorial sovereignty, crime prevention and protection of the living environment is promoted, thereby forming a people-to-people border defense posture, connecting functional forces and the community./.

(TTXVN/Vietnam+)

Source: https://www.vietnamplus.vn/bien-phong-viet-nam-lao-lan-dau-tuan-tra-song-phuong-cap-tinh-post1063414.vnp