The 6th expanded judicial conference of Vietnamese and Lao border provinces took place on December 19, 2023, bringing together key officials from both nations to solidify their legal cooperation. Vietnamese Minister of Justice Nguyen Hai Ninh and his Lao counterpart, Phayvy Sibualipha, co-chaired the conference held in Vientiane, Laos.
During the gathering, Minister Ninh highlighted the extensive progress of judicial cooperation between Vietnam and Laos, which has flourished over the past 40 years since the signing of their bilateral agreement on legal and judicial collaboration. He pointed out the diverse forms of cooperation at both the central and local levels, which have contributed significantly to the socio-economic development of both countries.
To date, provincial justice departments from 24 pairs of localities, including 10 pairs of border provinces and six twinned provinces, have formalized their collaboration through signed agreements. These agreements address various areas of law, including civil registration, nationality services, legal aid, and grassroots mediation, all of which have led to noticeable improvements in the lives of residents, including Lao citizens living near the border.
The conference served as a platform for leaders to discuss strategies to tackle legal challenges faced by border communities. Participants emphasized the importance of ensuring adherence to laws, supporting local livelihoods, and safeguarding the rights and interests of residents on both sides of the border.
“The cooperation mechanism established through the past five conferences has been highly effective,” stated Minister Ninh, affirming the solid foundation built between the two nations. Lao leaders responded positively, expressing appreciation for the legal and judicial cooperation mechanisms cultivated over the years. They believe these similarities and joint efforts will raise their collaboration to new heights.
Discussions also included the necessity for both countries to share more experiences, particularly concerning the enforcement of civil judgments. This sharing of knowledge is seen as pivotal for handling existing cases and addressing legal matters connected to border security.
While meeting with Lao Prime Minister Sonexay Siphandone and Party General Secretary and President Thongloun Sisoulith prior to the conference, Ninh provided comprehensive details about the cooperation between the Vietnamese and Lao justice ministries. He explained how these discussions relate to improving the overall effectiveness of their collaboration.
The importance of the conference extends beyond just bilateral agreements; it is also about finding common ground on issues confronting governments, like land exploitation and mineral resource management policies. The goal is to strike a balance between development and strict regulatory oversight.
On the same day, the delegation from Vietnam’s Ministry of Justice visited the new headquarters of the Lao Ministry of Justice, where they donated 20 computer sets and additional equipment to various justice departments across Laos.
This conference embodies the enduring friendship, special solidarity, and comprehensive collaboration between Vietnam and Laos, underscoring their commitment to jointly tackle pressing legal, social, and economic challenges. The success of this event reveals the efficacy of their legal cooperation frameworks and sets the stage for future engagements aimed at deepening mutual trust and partnership.
Overall, the 6th expanded judicial conference reaffirmed the shared vision of both countries for enhanced legal cooperation and promised continued efforts to face legal challenges head-on, illustrating the importance of partnership between Vietnam and Laos.
