Leaders of Song Ma district donated rice to the armed forces of Muong Et district, Hua Phan province (Lao People's Democratic Republic).

We were at the Chieng Khuong Joint Border Control Station, an international border crossing connecting with the Ban Dan border gate in Hua Phan province, Lao People's Democratic Republic. In the days leading up to Tet (Lunar New Year), the border gate welcomes hundreds of visitors crossing back and forth to visit relatives, sightsee, and trade various goods. Captain Nguyen Van Khanh, the station chief, said: This spring, people on both sides of the border are delighted that the trade route connecting Song Ma and Muong Et continues to be upgraded; the landscape around the border marker has been renovated, creating favorable conditions for people on both sides to develop their economy, trade, and visit relatives.

The Chiềng Khương - Bản Đán border gate area is a shining example of the relationship and exchange between the people on both sides of the border. Every year, during the harvest season, the people on both sides work together to repair, clear, and unclog irrigation canals for over 100 hectares of rice fields in the cluster of 8 villages in Mường Ét district and 15 hectares of rice fields in Chiềng Khương commune.

The Military Command of Muong Et District, Hua Phan Province, Lao People's Democratic Republic, visited and worked with the local authorities.
with the Military Command of Song Ma District. Photo: Lu Mien (Contributor)

Mr. Bun Tham, Head of Bia village, Muong Et district, Hua Phan province, said: "Working together in the fields, our Vietnamese neighbors have guided us in planting new, high-yield rice varieties, pest and disease control, and cultivation techniques, ensuring the rice grows and develops well, with an average yield of 5 tons/ha. The people of the two villages are very close, treating each other like family; when one side faces difficulties, the other is ready to help. The two villages regularly organize sports and cultural exchanges, and invite each other to visit during holidays, festivals, and important days of both villages."

Every day, border markets become places for meeting, exchanging goods, and sharing stories of life. People from Song Ma bring bundles of fresh vegetables and fragrant sticky rice to Muong Et. Conversely, people from Muong Et bring their own unique products such as forest honey and brocade fabrics. In the spring, when traditional festivals of the Thai, Hmong, and Lao ethnic groups are held, the cultural space on both sides of the border becomes even more vibrant.

The Military Command of Song Ma District presents gifts to the Military Command of Muong Et District, Hua Phan Province, Lao People's Democratic Republic. Photo: Lu Mien (CTV)

Song Ma District has 4 border communes, 43.5 km of border line, with 43 national border markers; the district is home to the Chieng Khuong Border Gate Border Guard Post and the Muong Cai Border Guard Post. Mr. Lo Van Sinh, Chairman of the District People's Committee, stated: The district has intensified propaganda efforts among cadres, soldiers, and people of all ethnic groups to maintain and cultivate good relations; and to strictly adhere to the policies and guidelines of the Party and State. It has directed functional forces and border communes to coordinate with the government and forces of the neighboring country to promptly share information on border management and boundary markers; and maintain regular meetings to exchange information. This allows for coordinated efforts and mutual support in resolving issues related to security and order in the border area; and to effectively implement agreements and regulations, building a stable, peaceful, and developing border and boundary markers.

In 2024, the district held regular liaison meetings with Muong Et district. It participated in the "Son La - Hua Phan Cultural Tourism Festival 2024" in Hua Phan province, combining this with the display of tourism, cultural, and local products at the festival. Regular liaison meetings were also held between the Military Command of Song Ma district and the Military Command of Muong Et district; these meetings involved exchanging information and coordinating efforts to monitor the economic, social, national defense, and security situation, as well as the border situation between Muong Cai commune, Song Ma district, and Nam Cuong cluster, Muong Et district; and between Muong Sai commune, Song Ma district, and Na Toong cluster, Xieng Kho district, Hua Phan province.

Officers and soldiers of the Muong Cai Border Guard Post, Song Ma district, and Company 212 (Lao People's Democratic Republic)
Performing the ritual of saluting the border marker. Photo: PV

Economic diplomacy has been effectively implemented. Specifically, Song Ma and Muong Et districts have facilitated the buying, selling, and exchange of goods between businesses and the people, serving their production and daily lives. Surveys and programs supporting fruit tree development have been implemented; officials have been sent to exchange information, provide technical guidance, and help build economic development models. Total import and export volume of goods with Muong Et district, Hua Phan province in 2024 reached over US$3,154, including US$290,738 in exports and over US$2,863 in imports. Currently, Muong Et district has 17 Vietnamese businesses investing in and promoting agricultural production, livestock farming, and other businesses; there are also 13 retail outlets distributing products from these companies.

The Muong Cai Border Guard Post and the Lao army forces are conducting joint patrols in the border area.

In Muong Cai commune, the traditional ball-throwing and Xoe dance festivals attract local people and also include participants from Muong Et district, Hua Phan province, Lao People's Democratic Republic. The Lam Vong dances and Hmong flute music blend with the sounds of traditional instruments, creating an atmosphere of unity and warmth. Chay Phet Thanthana, from Muong Et district, shared: "In the spring, I often visit Song Ma district. I am warmly welcomed by everyone. The festivals of both sides are not only for fun, but also help us learn more about each other's culture."

By strengthening and expanding friendly cooperative relations, boosting trade, promoting socio-economic development, and fostering cultural exchanges between Song Ma district and Muong Et district, the two districts have contributed to firmly protecting national border sovereignty and nurturing the special friendship and solidarity between Vietnam and Laos, making it increasingly enduring, loyal, and steadfast.

Source: Son La Newspaper