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| The delegation of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs was delighted with the achievements and outstanding efforts of the officers and forces working in foreign affairs and border affairs, maintaining the people's hearts and minds at the border of Dien Bien province. (Photo: Duc Tri) |
As the only province in the country that shares borders with two neighboring countries, Dien Bien has a border of 455,573 km, of which 414,712 km borders Laos (Phongsaly and Luang Prabang provinces) and 40,861 km borders China (Yunnan province). With such a special location, Dien Bien plays a geostrategic role in protecting sovereignty , ensuring regional security and developing cooperative relations with neighboring countries.
Fostering border love
Speaking with a delegation of officials from the Ministry of Foreign Affairs during a working trip to learn about the historical land of Dien Bien on June 27, led by former Deputy Minister of Foreign Affairs, Ambassador Dang Dinh Quy, Permanent Vice Chairman of the People's Committee of Dien Bien province Pham Duc Toan affirmed: protecting sovereignty, security and order and developing the border area are the central tasks of the locality.
In practice, the political situation, security and order in the border area of Dien Bien province are basically stable. The border marker system is strictly managed and protected. Border guards from both sides regularly coordinate patrols, exchange information and strictly implement signed legal documents on the border.
People-to-people exchanges on both sides of the border are maintained regularly, in compliance with the agreements and laws of each country. The friendly and cooperative relations between Dien Bien and the provinces of Northern Laos and Yunnan are increasingly deepened, contributing to building a peaceful, stable and developed border.
However, challenges still exist, especially the illegal trafficking and transportation of drugs across the border. Large areas, complex terrain, harsh weather, and inadequate and weak infrastructure - especially at border gates and patrol routes - are major barriers to current border management.
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| Representatives of Dien Bien provincial leaders, the Military Command and the Department of Foreign Affairs of Dien Bien province took a souvenir photo with the delegation of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, June 27. (Photo: Xuan Son) |
New impetus for development
Dien Bien province is making efforts to exploit the advantage of the trade gateway with Northern Laos and Southwest China to promote border economic cooperation. According to Lieutenant Colonel Nguyen Trong Loi, Deputy Commander of the Border Guard Command, the Provincial Military Command, information on border work in the province, Tay Trang International Border Gate - bordering Pang Hoc (Laos) - is a vital route connecting Northwest Vietnam with Northern Laos via National Highway 279, playing an important role in the transit of goods and culture, tourism and trade exchanges.
Import and export activities across the border comply with the laws of the two countries. In 2024, the total import and export turnover through border gates with Laos is estimated to reach 26.1 million USD (export 10.06 million USD; import 16.04 million USD). The relationship between Dien Bien and localities of Laos and China is maintained positively, cooperation mechanisms at the provincial and district levels take place periodically, contributing to building trust and sustainable development in the border area. The province is also promoting the cooperation plan for the period 2025 - 2029 with Pu'er city (Yunnan, China), expanding opportunities for trade, logistics and sustainable development.
The Standing Vice Chairman of Dien Bien province said that in order to effectively carry out border and territorial work, Dien Bien province is focusing on implementing many key tasks: continuing to implement the Prime Minister's Directive on implementing border legal documents with China and Laos; Strengthening coordination in inspection, control, protection of sovereignty, and combating smuggling and cross-border crimes.
At the same time, the province promotes international cooperation with neighboring localities, coordinates to handle border events promptly and in accordance with regulations. Propagating border laws is focused on to raise awareness among officers, soldiers and people in border areas.
To develop the economic potential of the border, Dien Bien prioritizes investment in infrastructure at the border gate area, especially upgrading Tay Trang into a modern logistics center; expanding inter-provincial and international traffic connections, promoting the circulation of goods. The province also promotes trade, organizes fairs, builds brands for agricultural products and handicrafts; and encourage investment in high-tech agriculture, eco-tourism and trade services associated with national defense and security.
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| A delegation from the Ministry of Foreign Affairs took a souvenir photo at the border marker between Vietnam and Laos after a working session at the Tay Trang International Border Gate Border Guard Station, Dien Bien Province, on June 28. (Photo: Xuan Son) |
Border fulcrum
Lieutenant Colonel Nguyen Trong Loi said that not only does the Border Guard of Dien Bien Province maintain the national fence, it is also a reliable support for the people of the border. The officers and soldiers work closely with the people in economic development, home repair, production guidance, and organizing mobile medical and educational programs.
The activities of twinning residential clusters on both sides of the border, cultural exchanges at the station, station and village levels have contributed to solidarity strengthening and spreading the spirit of friendship between Vietnam and Laos. The image of the “steel soldier” in the high border areas is not only a symbol of bravery, but also a beautiful embodiment of the aspiration for peace, solidarity and sustainable development between countries.
With its special geographical location and strategic political and defense role, Dien Bien is not only the “western gateway” of Vietnam, but also an important connecting point in the journey of regional integration. Economic development associated with protecting sovereignty, enhancing cooperation and deepening neighborly friendship is the inevitable path for Dien Bien to firmly step into a new stage of development: stability, sustainability and deep integration.
Source: https://baoquocte.vn/dien-bien-phen-giau-tay-bac-tren-ban-do-doi-ngoai-bien-gioi-320119.html
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