Lao PM Thongloun Sisoulith (right) receives Vietnamese Minister of Justice Le Thanh Long.

He made the comment at a reception for Vietnamese Minister of Justice Le Thanh Long in Vientiane on July 2 afternoon.

At the meeting, Long noted that the implementation of the two governments’ agreement on addressing undocumented migration and marriage has so far recorded encouraging outcomes.

The Vietnamese official asked the Lao PM to direct the local ministries of home affairs and justice, as well as other relevant agencies to speed up the realisation of the agreement ahead of its expiration in November 2019.

To help tackle undocumented migration and marriage, he called for support from the Lao side in granting citizenship for Vietnamese residing in Lao border areas, and vice versa for Laotians in Vietnamese border sites.

Long added that the Vietnam Ministry of Justice is willing to support its Lao equivalent agency in carrying out its missions, completing the legal system, and training human resources, particularly high-quality personnel.

PM Thongloun Sisoulith stressed the importance of bilateral judicial collaboration, saying it has been foundational to building a border of peace and solidarity, thus boosting the effectiveness of Vietnam-Laos’ special friendship.

The Lao leader said he has directed relevant agencies to review the citizenship-granting procedures and accept a number of people living in Bolykhamsay, a Lao province bordering Vietnam, as Lao citizens.

Also receiving the Vietnamese delegation the same day, Vice President of the Lao National Assembly Sengnouan Sayalath said the relationship between the Lao and Vietnamese people along the borderline has existed for a long time, with freedom of migration and marriage among their traditions.

He said the issue cannot be addressed over a short period of time, adding his hopes that the upcoming judicial conference on July 3 will come up with suitable measures.