“Friendship Through Exchange: Dong Nai Youth and Lao Students Unite”

On July 5, the Dong Nai Union of Provincial Friendship Organizations, the Vietnam-Laos Friendship Association of Dong Nai, and the People’s Committee of Vinh Cuu District joined forces to organize a cultural exchange festival between the youth of Dong Nai and Lao students studying in the province.

This event aimed to foster international connections and enhance cultural understanding between the young people of Vietnam and Laos. It also provided a platform for participants to delve into the historical ties between the two nations, thus fostering solidarity and friendship.

The exchange program embodied the practical efforts to bolster understanding, camaraderie, and solidarity between Vietnam and Laos. Source: Dong Nai Union of Friendship Organizations

Among those in attendance were Phonesy Bounmixay, the Consul General of Laos in Ho Chi Minh City; representatives from the Provincial Youth Union, Dong Nai Union of Friendship Organizations, the Vietnam-Laos Friendship Association, and the Vinh Cuu District People’s Committee; a large number of Dong Nai youth; and Lao students pursuing their studies in the region.

Addressing the festival, Do Dang Tuoc, Chairman of the Vietnam-Laos Friendship Association of Dong Nai, highlighted the establishment of the association in 2009 as a pivotal moment in the friendly relations between the people of Dong Nai and Laos.

Over the past 15 years, the association has diligently worked to solidify and enhance these amicable ties through a multitude of initiatives and activities. It has established over 40 chapters and 4 joint branches in wards and communes, boasting nearly 2,000 members.

The association consistently promotes the special friendship and comprehensive cooperation between Vietnam and Laos across all sectors of society, with a particular focus on engaging the younger generation.

Lao students introduce their traditional dance to Dong Nai youth. Source: Dong Nai Union of Friendship Organizations

As part of the festival, students and youth had the opportunity to listen to the Lao Consul General and a representative from the Provincial Union of Friendship Organizations. They shared insights into the enduring friendly relationships and solidarity between Vietnam and Laos, both historically and in the present day, including people-to-people diplomacy.

In addition to a photo exhibition showcasing the Vietnam-Laos friendship, participants from both countries engaged in cultural exchanges and enjoyed folk games together.

Paying respects to President Ho Chi Minh and the martyrs who sacrificed their lives in War Zone D. Source: Dong Nai Union of Friendship Organizations

Earlier that morning, the delegation offered incense and flowers to pay tribute to President Ho Chi Minh and the brave martyrs who laid down their lives in War Zone D. This revolutionary base played a crucial role during the resistance wars against French colonialists and American imperialists.

Lao students received tokens of appreciation. Source: Dong Nai Union of Friendship Organizations