In a significant move to deepen the "great friendship, special solidarity, and comprehensive cooperation" between Vietnam and Laos, Comrade Khamphan Phommathat, a Member of the Politburo, Deputy Prime Minister, and Minister of Justice of the Lao People's Democratic Republic (Lao PDR), conducted a high-level working visit to Hai Phong City in June 2026. This visit, part of a rotational exchange program between the two Ministries of Justice, centered on the 7th Expanded Justice Conference for Provinces Sharing the Vietnam-Laos Border. The event served as a vital platform for legal and judicial cooperation, aimed at ensuring stability and promoting socio-economic development across the shared border regions.
A Strategic Diplomatic Framework
The working visit was grounded in a robust framework of bilateral agreements, most notably the Legal and Judicial Cooperation Agreement for the 2026–2030 period, signed on December 1, 2025, and the 2026 Cooperation Program. These documents represent a new era of "strategic bonding," following the high-level consensus reached during the State visit to Laos by General Secretary To Lam in late 2025.
The primary objectives of the Deputy Prime Minister’s mission were to evaluate the implementation of previous judicial milestones, such as the 6th Conference’s conclusions held in Vientiane, and to define new directions for local-level legal cooperation. For Hai Phong, being chosen as the host city underscored its growing role in the specialized diplomatic relations between the two nations.
Reception and Working Sessions in the Port City
The delegation arrived in Hai Phong on the evening of June 16, 2026, where they were welcomed with high-level ceremonial protocols. On June 17, Deputy Prime Minister Khamphan Phommathat held official meetings with the leaders of the Hai Phong City Party Committee and the City People's Committee. These sessions focused on sharing practical experiences in implementing sister-city agreements between Hai Phong and Lao localities, specifically Vientiane and Oudomxay. The discussions highlighted how local governance can support bilateral trade and legal stability through direct exchange and mutual assistance.
The 7th Expanded Justice Conference
The centerpiece of the visit was the 7th Expanded Justice Conference, held in the Do Son area. The conference brought together approximately 160 delegates, including ministerial leaders, judicial officials from nine Vietnamese border provinces, and their counterparts from corresponding Lao provinces.
Under the joint chairmanship of the Justice Ministers of both countries, the plenary sessions delved into specialized judicial matters essential for border management:
- Nationality and Civil Status Management: Addressing legal identities for residents in border areas.
- Mutual Legal Assistance in Civil Matters: Enhancing the implementation of the 2023 Agreement on civil judicial support.
- Civil Judgment Enforcement: Sharing technical expertise to resolve cross-border legal disputes.
- Legal Aid and Education: Promoting legal literacy to reduce free migration and undocumented marriages.
The conference concluded with the adoption of a joint Conclusion and the signing of new cooperation documents between local judicial agencies, providing a fresh legal impetus for the 2026–2030 period.
Cultural Diplomacy and Sports Exchange
Beyond formal meetings, the visit emphasized "people-to-people" diplomacy through vibrant side activities. A sports exchange program was organized at the City Sports Complex, featuring matches in tug-of-war, air volleyball, and badminton. These activities were designed to foster solidarity and mutual understanding between the judicial cadres of the two countries.
The delegation also experienced the hospitality of Hai Phong through a tour of Vu Yen Island, a symbol of the city's modern development. A grand Gala Dinner hosted by the city provided a warm atmosphere for cultural exchange, showcasing Hai Phong’s heritage and its commitment to the Vietnam-Laos bond.
A Vision for the Future
The successful reception of Deputy Prime Minister Khamphan Phommathat and the results of the 7th Border Justice Conference reaffirmed the effectiveness of the direct cooperation mechanism between local judicial bodies.
This high-level engagement not only consolidated the legal and judicial pillars of the bilateral relationship but also served as a catalyst for future socio-economic integration. By integrating modern digital transformation goals and security protocols into the judicial framework, Hai Phong and the Lao border provinces are poised to enter a period of more substantive and effective cooperation, further nurturing the "evergreen" friendship between the two nations.