VIENTIANE (Xinhua): Officials from Laos and Cambodia met in the Lao capital of Vientiane on Wednesday to review bilateral border management and sign a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) aimed at strengthening immigration cooperation and border security.
During the meeting, the officials reviewed progress in border management over the past two years, focusing on the implementation of bilateral agreements to facilitate orderly cross-border movement for citizens, tourists, and traders while preventing illegal entry, Lao News Agency reported on Thursday.
Both sides highlighted several key areas of cooperation, including strengthening security checks at international border crossings to prevent the illegal transportation of weapons and explosives, respecting national border boundaries during patrols, and raising public awareness of the 2008 Lao-Cambodian Border Crossing Agreement to prevent unauthorized crossings and illegal settlements.
They also agreed to maintain close communication to facilitate the repatriation of individuals involved in illegal activities and coordinate extradition procedures in accordance with existing bilateral agreements.
The meeting concluded with the signing of an MoU on Immigration Cooperation for 2026, reaffirming both countries' commitment to improving coordination, streamlining joint operations, and addressing shared border security challenges. - Xinhua
