In the early days of spring, from the center of Phiêng Khoài commune, following a paved road more than 10 km long, we arrived at the border village of Lao Khô 1. Right at the beginning of the village, we saw the National Special Historical Site of the Vietnam-Laos Revolutionary History Complex, standing out amidst the green forests. From 1948 to 1951, Comrade Kaysone Phomvihane and the Northern Lao Vanguard relied on the protection and assistance of Mr. Tráng Lao Khô and the people of Phiêng Sa (now Lao Khô 1 village) to train troops, gather intelligence, and then spread out from Phiêng Sa to build revolutionary bases in Xiềng Khọ and many areas in northern Laos, laying a solid foundation for the development of the Lao people's resistance movement against French colonialism to victory. The historical site has become a "red address" for educating about revolutionary traditions, closely linked to the cultural values ​​and the special solidarity between the Vietnamese and Lao peoples.

The special national historical site of the Vietnam-Laos revolutionary base in Lao Kho 1 village, Phieng Khoai commune.

Son La province shares a border with Hua Phan and Luang Prabang provinces of the Lao People's Democratic Republic, and has many similarities in natural conditions and social life with these provinces. This provides a favorable basis for both sides to strengthen friendly relations and comprehensive cooperation. Currently, Son La province has established friendly relations and signed comprehensive cooperation agreements with nine provinces of Laos, including: Hua Phan, Luang Prabang, Oudomxay, Bokeo, Luang Namtha, Phongsaly, Xieng Khouang, Xay Nha Buly, and Say Som Bun.

Mr. Luu Binh Khiem, Director of the Department of Foreign Affairs, stated: The province has coordinated with neighboring provinces in Laos to regularly disseminate information and educate officials, Party members, armed forces, and the people about the special tradition of solidarity and friendship, and the comprehensive cooperation between Vietnam and Laos; proactively helping each other develop socio-economic aspects, and protecting and building a peaceful and friendly border. In 2025, Son La province established 19 working groups led by provincial leaders, leaders of departments, agencies, and localities to work in the Lao People's Democratic Republic. At the same time, the province organized receptions and working sessions with 44 delegations from provinces of the Lao People's Democratic Republic who visited, worked, and participated in activities in Son La. In addition, the province also sent congratulatory letters and directed departments, agencies, border localities, and universities and colleges in the area to organize activities to celebrate the Lao Bunpimay New Year 2025 and the 50th anniversary of the National Day of the Lao People's Democratic Republic.
In the fields of economics and science and technology, our province has supported the provision of high-quality, high-yield plant and animal breeds; encouraged businesses from all economic sectors to invest in commercial and service activities, promoting the exchange and trade of goods; and strengthened the promotion of investment in production development, product introduction, and consumption of agricultural and forestry products.

In the fields of culture, education, and health, Son La province is strengthening its efforts to receive and train human resources from neighboring provinces of Laos. During the period 2020-2025, the province trained 1,797 Lao students who graduated with intermediate, college, university, and master's degrees. Currently, 1,084 Lao students are studying at Northwest University, Son La College, Son La Medical College, and the Provincial Political School.

Mr. Trang Lao Lu, the eldest son of Mr. Trang Lao Kho, recounts his memories of visiting Na Khang village, Phieng Sa cluster, Xieng Kho district (Lao People's Democratic Republic).

The armed forces of Son La province actively coordinate with the armed forces of neighboring Lao provinces to regularly patrol and exchange information on the situation regarding national defense, security, crime prevention, free migration, entry and exit, and the protection of border security and sovereignty between the two countries. They also coordinate with Hua Phan province to implement and organize the opening and operation of the Long Sap - Pa Hang international border gate. People-to-people diplomacy is strengthened, maintaining twinning relationships between 7 pairs of villages on both sides of the border and 10 pairs of border guard posts with border guard companies…

Chieng Khuong commune shares a border with Muong Et and Xieng Kho districts of the Lao People's Democratic Republic; the Chieng Khuong Border Guard Post is located within the commune. Mr. Nguyen Cong Vien, Chairman of the Commune People's Committee, stated: Over the past year, the commune has strengthened coordination and information exchange with Muong Et and Xieng Kho districts of Hua Phan province, promptly detecting and addressing issues arising in the border area. Simultaneously, it has facilitated cross-border visits and mutual support among residents of border villages. In addition, the commune has assisted Muong Et district in constructing the Youth Park. The total import and export turnover of goods between Chieng Khuong and Muong Et district is projected to reach US$7,920 in 2025. Currently, in Muong Et district, there are 17 Vietnamese businesses investing in agriculture, livestock farming, and trading, along with 13 retail outlets distributing products from these companies.

The increasingly comprehensive, in-depth, practical, and effective cooperation in all fields between Son La province and the provinces of Laos has contributed to nurturing the traditional friendship, special solidarity, and comprehensive cooperation between Vietnam and Laos, ensuring it remains ever-lasting and sustainable for generations to come.

Nguyen Thu