On August 16, 2024, the Propaganda Department of Thua Thien Hue Province held a meeting with the Vietnam-Laos Traditional Friendship Liaison Committee to discuss enhancing people-to-people diplomacy along the Vietnam-Laos border in the province.

Attendees included Lieutenant General Nguyen Tien Long, Deputy Head of the Vietnam-Laos Traditional Friendship Liaison Committee and Vice President of the Vietnam-Laos Friendship Association, along with Hoang Khanh Hung, Standing Member of the Provincial Party Committee and Head of the Propaganda Department of the Provincial Party Committee. Representatives from various departments, sectors, and local authorities were also present. The meeting focused on strengthening people-to-people relations, especially in border areas, as part of a broader effort to deepen ties between the two nations.

In recent years, people-to-people diplomacy along the Vietnam-Laos border has been a major focus for local authorities in Thua Thien Hue Province, with directives from the provincial government. This initiative has increased awareness of the importance of diplomacy among various sectors, including local government, security forces, and the general population.

A key focal point has been the three provinces that share the Vietnam-Laos border: Thua Thien Hue, Sekong, and Salavan. These areas have benefited from closer economic, social, and defense cooperation, resulting in numerous positive outcomes. Furthermore, exchanges in the fields of culture, education, and healthcare have strengthened, deepening the bonds between the two nations.

One notable achievement has been the successful organization of the 2022 Year of Solidarity and Friendship between Vietnam and Laos, marking the 60th anniversary of diplomatic relations. Thua Thien Hue has also played a significant role in educational collaboration, particularly in political theory training and human resource development for the Sekong and Salavan provinces. Additionally, the two sides have frequently cooperated on healthcare initiatives, ensuring that populations in border areas have access to essential medical services.

At the meeting, participants discussed future steps to enhance people-to-people diplomacy, exploring strategies for further cooperation in politics, economics, culture, education, science, technology, and security. Both sides committed to exploring new ways to improve the effectiveness of these efforts in light of shifting global dynamics.

Additionally, the cooperation between Vietnam and Laos in recovering and repatriating the remains of Vietnamese soldiers who died in Laos has been an integral part of their joint efforts. This project, carried out through close coordination, reflects the deep historical ties and mutual respect shared by both countries.

The meeting concluded with an agreement on specific measures to boost the efficiency of people-to-people diplomacy moving forward. These efforts aim to strengthen the relationship between the people of Thua Thien Hue and their Lao counterparts in neighboring provinces, contributing to economic growth in border regions and ensuring national sovereignty.Through sustained people-to-people diplomacy, Vietnam and Laos aim to further solidify their relationship, ensuring it continues to thrive in a rapidly changing global landscape.