The joint patrols of officers and soldiers of the border protection forces of Dak Lak province and Mondukiri province (Kingdom of Cambodia) along the border are not only daily work, but also a symbol of solidarity and strong friendship between the two peoples sharing a border and a common aspiration for peace .
When the white mist still obscured the mountain range and the old forests on the border, border marker 42 appeared in the shimmering dawn light. That was also the time when the footsteps of two forces: Dak Rue Border Guard Station (Dak Lak Provincial Border Guard Command) and the border protection force of Mondulkiri Province (Cambodia) including the O Ro Border Guard Police Station (Mondulkiri Provincial Police Department) and Platoon 2 (Mondukiri Military Sub-region) joined in a joint patrol on the nearly 8km long border.
Friendship on the joint patrol route
On the red dirt road winding around the mountainside, officers and soldiers of the two countries walked shoulder to shoulder, exchanging information about the border security situation and coordination in managing the border and landmarks.
Amidst the vast mountains and forests, thick fog and cold, the voices of people chatting and asking each other about life, family and information about the border security situation in both Vietnamese and Khmer languages were bustling, friendly and warm like the greetings of brothers who had not seen each other for a long time.
Lieutenant Colonel Tran Loi, Head of Dak Rue Border Guard Station, said: “The border section managed by the unit has been marked with main markers, but has not yet been demarcated. However, the border protection forces of both sides regularly coordinate to inspect and manage according to the current status, exchange information, promptly handle arising issues, contributing to maintaining stability in the border area.”
His words contained the calmness of an experienced soldier, and also pride in the close bond between the two forces over many years of joint patrols.
The border in the morning was filled with the scent of wild grass. The two working groups inspected the border marker system No. 42, determining the current status of the border area, especially the locations where streams or trails crossed. Officers and soldiers from both sides took notes, took photos, and discussed every detail thoroughly to ensure consistency and accuracy.
Stopping at the 42nd milestone, the handshakes were tight, warm and friendly. One side was the green uniform of the Vietnamese Border Guard, the other side was the dark brown of the Cambodian Border Police - two different uniforms but with the same mission: To keep the border forever peaceful, harmonious and friendly.
Captain Bun Thai, Deputy Head of the O Ro Border Guard Police Station, shared: “We are very happy to coordinate patrols with the Vietnam Border Guard. The two sides always trust and help each other in work and in life. In difficult times, the Dak Rue Border Guard Station supported the Cambodian forces with electricity, medicine, rice, salt, etc. That is a truly precious sentiment.”
In the midst of the many difficulties in the border area, the solidarity, support and mutual assistance become even more sacred and noble. Over the years, the two units have closely coordinated in exchanging information and promptly handling incidents arising along the border, contributing to maintaining security and order in the area.
In addition to the main task of managing and protecting the border, the two units of Dak Rue Border Guard Station and O Ro Border Police Station always consider maintaining solidarity and friendship as an important foundation to successfully complete their tasks together.
On each border patrol, officers and soldiers from both sides perform their duties, visit each other, share information about life and security in the area, help each other in work and even in times of difficulty and adversity.
There are memories that have faded away, but every time they meet again, officers and soldiers from both sides still recall and reminisce with boundless emotion.
There was an incident exactly 6 years ago, but every time it is mentioned, officers and soldiers on both sides are moved to tears and try harder to build and preserve solidarity and friendship.
That day in the middle of a rainstorm and mountain wind in the middle of a desolate border, Captain Chun Sok Nin, former Chief of the Border Police Station of the O Ro Department, fell seriously ill.
Upon receiving the news, medical staff from Dak Rue Border Guard Station and Ea H'leo Station immediately crossed the forest and waded through streams to help their friend, then coordinated with the Military Medical Clinic of Economic Group 737 to take him to the Central Highlands General Hospital for treatment.
Thanks to the dedication of the Vietnamese medical team, Captain Chun Sok Nin overcame the critical condition. On the day of parting, between the tight handshake and silent eyes was the camaraderie and humanity that transcended national boundaries, a beautiful story that the soldiers still recall every time they walk together along the border full of harsh mountain winds and rain.
Join hands to build a peaceful and friendly border
The border between Dak Lak and Mondulkiri province (Cambodia) has rugged mountainous terrain, sparse population, and people's lives are still difficult.
However, thanks to the close coordination between the border protection forces of the two provinces and two countries, security and order in the area have always been maintained.
People on both sides of the border live and work with peace of mind; solidarity, friendship and cooperation between the governments and functional forces of the two countries are increasingly consolidated and developed.
Colonel Nguyen Van Linh, Commander of the Dak Lak Provincial Border Guard Command, affirmed: “The coordinated patrol and control work between the Border Guard Stations of the Dak Lak Provincial Border Guard and the Cambodian border guard force is a vivid manifestation of the traditional solidarity and friendship between Vietnam and Cambodia. Through these practical activities, the two sides not only work together to protect a peaceful, friendly and stable border, but also contribute to strengthening trust, understanding and close affection between the people of the two countries.”
When the patrol stopped to rest by the stream, bottles of water and canteens were shared like family. No words were needed, just smiles and looks were enough to express the sincere feelings.
The border area has many difficulties, hardships, high mountains, deep streams, and harsh weather, so each step of the joint patrol has a profound meaning: a step of faith, solidarity, and shared responsibility.
As the midday sun shone through the trees, the patrol ended with a lingering handshake. On the border soil, the footprints of soldiers from both countries were imprinted in neat rows - a testament to a strong relationship built on trust and friendship.
The border forest is quiet in the afternoon, occasionally echoing the sound of cuckoo birds calling their mates at night.
Milestone 42 still stands firm between the two flags, the wind blows through the rustling trees like the whisper of the border. Peace does not come naturally. It is built and maintained by the sweat, effort, responsibility and heart of the soldiers who silently patrol day and night the most remote and difficult places of the Fatherland.
The joint patrols of officers and soldiers of Dak Rue Border Guard Station and O Ro Border Police Station in particular, of Dak Lak province border guards and border police stations of Mondulkiri Provincial Police Department and Mondulkiri Military Sub-region (Kingdom of Cambodia) along the border between the two provinces are not only daily work, but also a symbol of the strong friendship between the two peoples sharing the same border and the same aspiration for peace.
From those steps, the border is no longer a dividing line, but a bridge connecting the affection, trust and attachment between Vietnam and Cambodia forever in the hearts of soldiers on the front line of the Fatherland.
Source: https://baolamdong.vn/bieu-tuong-cua-tinh-doan-ket-huu-nghi-noi-bien-cuong-to-quoc-403175.html
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