(VNF) - On the occasion of the 55^th anniversary of bilateral diplomatic ties (September 5^th, 1962-2017) and the Year of Vietnam – Laos, Laos – Vietnam Friendship and Solidarity, the Vietnam Union of Friendship Organisations’ Vietnam-Laos Friendship Association (VLFA) and the Viet-Lao Connection Joint Stock Company jointly organised a ceremony honouring outstanding Lao students in Vietnam.

The ceremony was held to honor outstanding Lao students who achieved excellent academic achievements in Vietnam, creating a bridge between businesses and young people in the future. Whatever the circumstances, Vietnam and Laos will do their best to preserve, nurture and educate the two youths on the special solidarity between the two countries, as well as the significance of the establishment of bilateral diplomatic ties.

Attending the meeting were Tran Van Tuy, Member of Central Party Committee, Deputy Head of Comission for Organisation, Member of the Standing Committee of the National Assembly, Head of Committee for Members of National Assembly and VLFA President; Laos' Ambassador to Vietnam Thongsavanh Phomvihane and his spouse.

VLFA President Tran Van Tuy at the event. (Photo: VNF/Phuong Mai)

Speaking at the event, VLFA President Tran Van Tuy described education-training cooperation as one of the priorities for bilateral comprehensive partnership, adding that the VLFA organised trips for Lao students to relic sites attached to the Lao revolution in Vietnam, thus raising their understanding about their country’s revolutionary cause.

He hoped that Lao students will further strive to reap outstanding academic achievements and contribute to strengthening traditional friendship and comprehensive partnership between the two peoples.

With the wish to encourage their learning, the VLFA has organised many trips visiting the historical relic sites of the Lao revolution in Vietnam for Lao students in the past. On the other hand, the Association has cooperated with the Viet-Lao Connection Joint Stock Company to organise many meaningful activities, contributing to educate young generations in the tradition of patriotism and the special solidarity of the two countries, especially the two peoples and the leaders. Highlight of the these activities was the contest on learning about President Ho Chi Minh and President Kaysone Phomvihane attracted thousands of students from Vietnam and Laos.

15 outstanding Lao students were granted scholarships. (Photo: VNF/Phuong Mai)

At the ceremony, on behaft of the Viet-Lao Connection Joint Stock Company, VLFA President Tuy and Ambassador Thongsavanh Phomvihane has presented scholarships to 15 Lao students who have excellent academic achievements.

The scholarships were worth over VND 47 million (USD 2,068) in total, with those for in colleges, universities and postgraduate courses valued at VND 3 million (USD 132) each and for a underprivileged student who has achieved high academic performances – VND 5 million (USD 220).

President of the Viet-Lao Connection Joint Stock Company Duong Thi My Binh affirmed that the company will continue to cooperate with the VLFA in supporting and encouraging Lao students studying in Vietnam to strive for the best academic achievements as well as actively participating in meaningful social activities.

Representatives of Laos students expressed their gratitude for the Vietnamese Party, State and people for always paying special attention, support and creating favorable conditions for Laos students studying in Vietnam.

He said that through studying and researching, Lao students understand more about the long-standing friendship between Laos and Vietnam – an exemplary symbol of pure and loyal bilateral relations and the only model of its kind in the world.

On behalf of the Lao students, a student expressed gratitude for the Vietnamese Party, State and people for assisting them in Vietnam. (Photo: VNF/Phuong Mai)

They promised will continue to work harder and gain further achievement in their studying to become talented members of society in order to serve the country, contributing to the construction and protection of the motherland, as well as practical contributions to the special relations between Vietnam and Laos./.

Translated by Chau Pham