On November 19, the Long Sap International Border Gate pair, Moc Chau district, Son La province (Vietnam) - Pa Hang, Sop Bao district, Houaphan province (Laos) announced its opening.

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Delegates cut the ribbon to inaugurate the Long Sap (Vietnam) - Pa Hang (Laos) international border gate pair. Photo: Hong Sang

Attending the ceremony, on the Vietnamese side were Mr. Nguyen Minh Vu, Permanent Deputy Minister of Foreign Affairs, Chairman of the National Border Committee; Mr. Nguyen Minh Tam, Ambassador Extraordinary and Plenipotentiary of the Socialist Republic of Vietnam to Laos; Mr. Hoang Quoc Khanh, Secretary of Son La Provincial Party Committee;

On the Lao side, there were Mr. Khamphao Ernthavanh, Ambassador Extraordinary and Plenipotentiary of the Lao People's Democratic Republic to Vietnam; Mr. Khamsay Saysompheng, Secretary of the Provincial Party Committee, Governor of Houaphan Province.

The pair of border gates is located in the central position connecting the northern provinces of Vietnam with the northern provinces of Laos, 200km from the capital Hanoi of Vietnam, 180km to 400km from the center of the northern provinces of Laos, especially convenient in connecting Moc Chau National Tourist Area (Son La, Vietnam) with Luang Prabang tourist area - the ancient capital of Laos, or the resistance bases of Sam Neua, Xiangkhoang and other places.

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The first shipments cleared customs through Long Sap International Border Gate. Photo: Hong Sang

This is one of the important gateways connecting Vietnam and Laos in general, connecting the northern provinces of Vietnam with the northern provinces of Laos in particular; considered a valuable artery with potential for cross-border trade and connecting tourist routes.

In particular, this border gate plays an important role in foreign affairs and defense of both sides.

According to Mr. Nguyen Dinh Viet, Chairman of Son La Provincial People's Committee, Vietnam and Laos are two neighboring countries with a long-standing traditional relationship of special friendship and close ties, which has been increasingly consolidated, nurtured and developed.

Especially in recent years, the special friendship between the two countries has been continuously consolidated, deepened and brought into practical effect in all areas of cooperation, bringing great benefits to the people of the two countries.

In particular, upgrading main border gates to international border gates further vividly demonstrates the development and continuation of the special friendly relationship and long-standing tradition.

This is an event that attracts the attention of many officials and people of the two provinces and the two countries in general; many investors and many tours; and opens routes.

Son La province leaders affirmed that they will exploit the maximum potential of the Long Sap - Pa Hang International Border Gate pair.