On June 16, 2023, significant bilateral discussions took place between the Justice Ministers of Vietnam and Laos in Hanoi. Vietnam’s Minister of Justice, Hoàng Thanh Tùng, and Laos’ Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Justice, Khăm-phăn Phôm-ma-thắt, led the talks, focused on cooperation in legal reforms and mutual support.
Bilateral Talks Between Vietnam and Laos Justice Ministers
During the meeting, Minister Hoàng Thanh Tùng outlined Vietnam’s strategic policies and legal reforms. He highlighted the recent issuance of Resolution No. 66 and several conclusions from the Politburo, which emphasize the importance of legal systems as a strategic breakthrough for sustainable national development.
Key Initiatives and Cooperation
- Establishment of a Central Steering Committee for institutional reform, spearheaded by General Secretary Tô Lâm.
- Focus on enhancing the legal framework, improving law enforcement effectiveness, and adopting digital transformation.
- Vietnam and Laos plan to advance their 2026-2030 Cooperation Agreement to enhance legal and judicial collaboration.
Minister Tùng stressed the successful partnership in developing a technical assistance project aimed at bolstering Laos’ capacity in law enforcement. He urged for accelerated approval and implementation of this project, which is expected to significantly impact legal cooperation between the nations.
Educational Collaborations
Furthermore, the ministers acknowledged ongoing educational partnerships, especially a scholarship program for Lao officials pursuing master’s degrees in law at Hanoi Law University. They considered the upcoming 7th Border Justice Conference scheduled for June 17 in Hải Phòng as a crucial platform to review cooperation and discuss future collaborative solutions.
Regional and International Cooperation
Additionally, both ministers agreed on the importance of strengthening cooperation within ASEAN legal frameworks and international platforms. They emphasized the need to share information and support each other in multilateral cooperation mechanisms.
Future Directions
Minister Khăm-phăn Phôm-ma-thắt expressed appreciation for Vietnam’s development achievements and the ongoing support in judicial reform and legal training. He confirmed Laos’ commitment to effective collaboration outlined in the 2026-2030 agreement and highlighted the significance of the border conference for deepening relations.
In conclusion, both ministers reaffirmed their dedication to advancing justice and legal cooperation to solidify the longstanding friendship and strategic alignment between Vietnam and Laos.
