When two Vietnamese and Lao villages blend their lives together

The model of twinning villages along the Vietnam-Laos border is gradually becoming a symbol of enduring friendship between the two nations. In these remote border areas, people from both countries not only live together peacefully but also support each other in all circumstances, creating a bond of solidarity and closeness like that of family.

Community spirit and neighborly love in border areas.

These days, the people of Thuong Trach commune (Bo Trach district, Quang Binh province, Vietnam) and Noong Ma cluster of villages (Bua La Pha district, Khammouane province, Laos) are joyfully preparing for the signing ceremony of their fraternal agreement.

The signing ceremony for the fraternal relationship between the two border communities is expected to be held at the end of November 2024 at two locations: Noong Ma village cluster and Thuong Trach commune center, with many activities including: inauguration and handover of the "Internal Public Address System" project, the "Borderland Lighting" project, and the "Zero-Cost Booth"; free medical examinations and medication distribution; offering incense to commemorate the heroic martyrs; announcing the decision to provide support to children in the "Helping Lao Students Go to School" program; sports exchanges, etc. All of these will create a vibrant atmosphere, demonstrating the strong solidarity between the two sides.

Over the years, Quang Binh province (Vietnam) and Khammouane province (Laos) have made significant strides in bilateral cooperation, ranging from trade exchanges to educational and cultural support programs. Through the Cha Lo - Na Phau International Border Gate, trade turnover between the two provinces reached US$617 million (April 2023 - June 2024).

In the 2023-2024 academic year, Quang Binh province received 16 officials and students from Khammouane province for training; focused on completing the construction of Thong Nhat Secondary School for handover and use in August 2024, and simultaneously carried out procedures to implement the Ethnic Minority High School Project in Mahaxay district, Khammouane province.

In 2024, Quang Binh province received 16 remains of Vietnamese martyrs, volunteer soldiers, and experts who died in Khammouane province for burial in Quang Binh.

With the belief that community spirit transcends all distances, many generations of people have been bound together, sharing like true relatives. Elder Dinh Xon, a guardian of the Ma Coong ethnic group's traditions in Thuong Trach commune, shared in the press: Although living in two different countries, the people of Thuong Trach and Noong Ma have deep familial ties. Thanks to the authorities on both sides facilitating travel by permit, people frequently visit and support each other in times of difficulty, especially during traditional holidays. Elder Dinh Thut, a respected figure in Troi village, Thuong Trach commune (Bo Trach district), said that many Ma Coong people in Thuong Trach commune and people from the Noong Ma cluster have "fallen in love" and built families together. Thanks to this, the traditional feelings of the people living along this border are always maintained and nurtured, becoming even stronger...

"Although living on two different landmasses, the people of the two countries in this border region always share a common spirit of solidarity, patriotism, and friendship. Whenever one side faces difficulties, the other is ready to help," he said.

Over the years, the government and people of Thuong Trach have provided seedlings, livestock, and farming techniques to the people of Noong Ma. This selfless assistance from Vietnam has contributed to improving the lives of the people here, helping them gradually reduce poverty.

Mr. Khay Dao Duong Pan Nha, a resident of Noong Ma village cluster, said: “Vietnamese and Lao people are like brothers and sisters. Whenever our villagers need support, the Vietnamese people are always ready, especially during difficult times. The people of Noong Ma village cluster have always received sincere and heartfelt help from the Vietnamese people in Thuong Trach.”

The Vietnam-Laos border market, a trading hub for people from Ky Son district and neighboring districts of Laos. (Photo: Dao Tho)

Standing side by side to safeguard peaceful and developing borders.

In Nghe An , a province with 419 km of border with Laos, the spirit of community and neighborly solidarity on both sides of the border is also demonstrated through many practical actions.

In 2013, with the support of the Thong Thu Border Guard Post, Muong Phu village (Thong Thu commune, Que Phong district, Nghe An province) and Nam Tay village (Vieng Phan cluster, Sam To district, Hua Phan province, Laos) officially established a sister village relationship. Since then, the two villages have not only become close neighbors but also support each other in economic and cultural development, poverty reduction, social welfare implementation, and building strong solidarity.

The Nghe An Border Guard and the people of Muong Phu village have contributed to the construction of many important projects for Nam Tay village, including a school, a community cultural center, and three solidarity houses for families in particularly difficult circumstances. In addition, experienced officers from the Border Guard Post and Muong Phu village have also provided support to Nam Tay village in economic development, implementing new production models such as orange cultivation, fish farming, and pig breeding. Support in providing seedlings and livestock, along with guidance on animal husbandry techniques, has been maintained regularly, contributing to improving the lives of the local people.

The bond between the two villages became especially strong during difficult times. In 2018, Muong Phu village was severely devastated by floods. Immediately afterwards, Nam Tay and Pa Puc villages contributed 600 kg of rice, corn, gourds, and many other necessities to the people of Muong Phu.

Besides providing material support, the people of the two villages also organize cultural and artistic exchange activities during major holidays and traditional festivals of both ethnic groups. The head of Muong Phu village, Luong Van Nguyen, said: "Whenever the two villages visit each other, we only bring sticky rice and a cup of wine... but it's filled with brotherly love."

The spirit of solidarity between the two nations is not only demonstrated through supporting each other's livelihoods but also through the task of protecting the border. The Party Secretary and Head of Nam Tay village, Mr. Xeng Kham, said: "The Lao and Vietnamese people are united to protect the border and develop together. In particular, Nam Tay village receives regular visits from Que Phong district, Thong Thu Border Guard Post, Thong Thu commune, and Muong Phu village, who provide guidance on livestock farming, crop cultivation, disease prevention, and support with seedlings, cement, etc."

The Thong Thu Border Guard Post also guided the Village Management Board and the Nam Tay Party branch on how to manage the village, teach Vietnamese, and implement measures to end illegal encroachment and settlement. Thanks to this close support, the relationship between the two sides has become even stronger, bridging the gap between mountains and rivers, making Vietnam and Laos like brothers in one family, working together to build a peaceful, stable, and sustainably developing border.

Source: https://thoidai.com.vn/khi-hai-thon-viet-lao-hoa-chung-nhip-song-207111.html