Hai Phong strengthens friendship and cooperation with Laos

Deepening affection

At 5 am on an early winter morning, when darkness was yet to fully lift and the crisp cold was still lingering on quiet streets, three buses organized by the Hai Phong Union of Friendship Organizations carried nearly 100 Lao students studying in the city to Ha Noi. On their young faces was excitement as the trip to explore historical and cultural sites of the thousand-year-old capital city of Vietnam was not only an experience, but a journey that strengthened emotional ties and further nurtured the close friendship between the peoples of Vietnam and Laos.

“This trip helped us gain a deeper understanding of Vietnam’s history and culture, especially the loyal and enduring relationship between the peoples of Vietnam and Laos during the years of resistance. Through the stories of comradeship, solidarity, and the shoulder-to-shoulder struggle of the two nations for independence, I have come to appreciate even more the special friendship that generations of both countries have worked hard to cultivate,” said Oudomsap Khounnameexai, a fifth-year student at Hai Phong University of Medicine and Pharmacy.

Besides organizing cultural and historical excursions, each Bunpimay New Year of Laos, Hai Phong also holds gatherings and exchanges with Lao students studying in the city. In a warm and intimate atmosphere, city leaders extend New Year greetings and encourage the students to stay confident in their studies and training. Vietnamese and Lao students join art performances and introduce cultural traditions of both peoples.

Strengthening friendship and cooperation

In recent years, the traditional friendship, special solidarity, and comprehensive cooperation between Hai Phong and localities of Laos have continued to grow and achieved significant results.

Hai Phong maintains strong cooperative relations with two Lao provinces: Vientiane and Oudomxay. The two sides frequently exchange information, hold online connections, send congratulatory messages, and engage in exchanges between Party agencies, authorities, and citizens, helping reinforce solidarity and mutual understanding.

The city has also welcomed many Lao delegations for visits and working sessions and while strengthened communication to raise awareness across the political system and the public about the special Vietnam–Laos relationship.

According to Nguyen Van Thu, Chairman of the city Union of Friendship Organizations, education and training is considered a major highlight in the cooperation between Hai Phong and Lao localities. Since 2016, under a signed friendship agreement, Hai Phong has annually received students from Vientiane and Oudomxay.

At present, more than 100 Lao scholarship students are studying at universities and colleges in the city. After completing Vietnamese language courses, they will be granted scholarships to continue their undergraduate or postgraduate studies.

During a meeting with a delegation of the Lao Committee for Peace and Solidarity led by Sommad Pholsena, Vice President of the Lao National Assembly and Chairman of the committee, Secretary of the Hai Phong Party Committee Le Tien Chau affirmed that the city has continuously strengthened its traditional friendship, special solidarity, and comprehensive cooperation with Lao localities in the new context.

In the coming period, Hai Phong will continue to maintain and expand cooperation activities, enhance exchanges, and boost collaboration in education, tourism, economy, and trade, while improving people-to-people diplomacy to further deepen the Vietnam–Laos friendship, Chau added.

BUI HANH