A ceremony marking 35 years since the signing of the Vietnam-Laos Friendship and Cooperation Agreement in 2012 (Photo: VNA)Quang Nam (VNA) – The Vietnam-Laos Friendship Organisation’s chapter in the central province of Quang Nam has set to foster the connectivity between Quang Nam and its neighbouring Lao province of Sekong province by encouraging exchanges and twin relations between their localities, especially border areas.
During the chapter’s Congress for the 2016-2021 tenure on October 6, the two sides agreed to regularly popularise people-to-people diplomatic policies among officials and people.
Khamphiem Boualapha, Standing Vice Secretary of Sekong’s Party Committee and President of the Laos-Vietnam Friendship Organisation’s Sekong chapter, noted that Quang Nam and Sekong share similarities in culture and custom.
Over the past years, Quang Nam has helped Sekong in reducing poverty and applying science and technology advances in socio-economic development, thus promoting the special friendship between people of both sides, he said.
Meanwhile, Ta Minh Chau, Vice President of the Vietnam-Laos Friendship Organisation’s Central Committee, held that Quang Nam should continue assisting Laos and Sekong in particular in personnel training, while coordinating with Sekong in caring for Lao students in Quang Nam, especially in traditional festivals and special events.
He also called on Quang Nam businesses to increase investment in Laos, contributing to the economic development of the country.
Over the past years, Quang Nam has actively coordinated with Sekong in a number of activities, including the organisation of visits for Vietnam’s former volunteer soldiers to former battlefields, and the launching of contests on the Vietnam-Laos ties.
Between 2012 and 2016, Quang Nam has organised a number of humanitarian activities in Sekong, including granting scholarships to Sekong students and offering gifts and free medical checks for locals.-VNA
