At the launching ceremony of planting the “Youth Friendship Tree Garden”, leaders, commanders, and young officers of the Border Guards on both sides affirmed that Vietnam and Laos are two neighboring countries, connected by mountains and rivers, and that the close relationship was formed and nurtured throughout the history of building and defending the country of the two peoples. In particular, the good traditional relationship, the close and faithful relationship between Vietnam and Laos, which was cultivated by President Ho Chi Minh, Prince Souphanouvong, President Kaysone Phomvihane, and the people of both sides, has become a valuable asset of the two countries. After many years of fighting side by side, struggling arduously and bravely, the people of Vietnam and Laos have both gained independence and become masters of their own countries.

Colonel Nguyen Thanh Hai and Colonel Unkham Siven-vong-sac participated in the activity of planting "Youth Friendship Garden".
Delegates from both sides took souvenir photos in front of the "Youth Friendship Garden".

Today, in the cause of protecting and building the country, all levels of government and armed forces, including the Vietnam and Laos Border Guards, are always united and closely coordinate to protect and build a common border of peace and special friendship. Planting the "Youth Friendship Garden" is part of the official activities of the Second Vietnam - Laos Young Border Guard Officer Exchange Program, which is a way for the young generation of the two countries' Border Guards to engrave their precious feelings. Through this, young Border Guard officers from both sides show their determination to further enhance the solidarity and friendship between Vietnam and Laos that previous generations have nurtured.

Previously, from June 26 to 30, young officers from both sides participated in the following activities: Disseminating laws to people on both sides of the Vietnam-Laos border; Seminar “Young officers of Vietnam-Laos Border Guard strengthen coordination, join hands to build a peaceful, friendly, cooperative and developed border”; Exchange and sports competitions; Visiting historical and cultural relics in the two provinces of Ha Tinh and Nghe An.

Colonel Nguyen Thanh Hai, Deputy Chief of Political Affairs, Border Guard Command, Ministry of National Defense of Vietnam, presented a gift to Colonel Unkham Sivenvongsak, Deputy Director of Border Guard Department, General Staff of the Lao People's Army.

On the same day, at Cau Treo International Border Gate, Colonel Nguyen Thanh Hai, Deputy Chief of Political Affairs, Border Guard Command, Ministry of National Defense of Vietnam, presided over the farewell ceremony for Colonel Unkham Sivenvongsak and the delegation of young officers from the Border Guard Department, General Staff of the Lao People's Army, returning home in an atmosphere of solidarity and friendship.

The young officers of the Vietnam - Laos Border Guard took a souvenir photo with officers and soldiers of the Cau Treo International Border Gate Border Guard Station (Ha Tinh Border Guard).
Colonel Nguyen Thanh Hai saw off Colonel Unkham Sivenvongsak and the delegation of young Lao Border Guard officers back to their country, marking the successful exchange program.

News and photos: MINH TOAN - THE MANH - THANH GIANG