Strengthen Vietnam - Laos border security cooperation
DNO - Border guard forces from Da Nang and Hue and Sekong Provincial Police held their 2026 annual meeting in Sekong Province, Laos, on October 28 to review coordination in maintaining border security and public order and agree on future cooperation priorities.
The meeting marked a further step in cooperation among the border protection and security forces of the three localities. At the meeting, the sides exchanged updates on political security and social order in their respective areas and reviewed the implementation of cooperation arrangements in recent years.
The border areas have generally remained stable, with territorial sovereignty, border lines and national boundary markers maintained.
The forces have continued to exchange information and coordinate immigration management and control, combat crime, and handle incidents arising along the border.
Coordination at the Nam Giang Dak Ta Ooc International Border Gate and the Tay Giang - Ka Lum auxiliary border gate has also continued effectively, facilitating trade, travel and family visits between residents of the two countries.
In 2026, the Da Nang Border Guard Command led five successful drug-related operations, handled 35 cases involving 44 suspects, and seized 1,058 grams of various drugs.
Meanwhile, Sekong Provincial Police dismantled 34 drug cases, arrested 34 suspects and seized more than 13,000 synthetic drug pills, along with other related evidence.
The sides also discussed challenges in border management and protection, particularly drug trafficking, human trafficking, illegal immigration and emigration, smuggling and high-tech crime.
In a spirit of solidarity, friendship and cooperation, they agreed to maintain information-sharing mechanisms and coordinate border patrols and inspections.
They also pledged to strengthen cooperation in investigating and verifying cases, dismantling transnational criminal networks, and promptly addressing incidents to prevent security and public order hotspots from emerging in border areas.
The parties further agreed to continue exchanges, share experience and coordinate legal education for residents on both sides of the border, contributing to a peaceful, friendly, stable and developing border region.
At the meeting, the Da Nang Border Guard Command and Sekong Provincial Police reached agreement on future coordination measures.
They also proposed seeking approval from their higher authorities to maintain joint annual meetings among the three units on a rotating basis, with the 2027 meeting expected to be held in Hue.