When two Vietnamese and Lao villages live together

The model of twinned villages on the Vietnam-Laos border is gradually becoming a symbol of lasting friendship between the two nations. In these remote border areas, people of the two countries not only live together peacefully but also support each other in all circumstances, creating solidarity and close ties like blood relatives.

Neighborhood love at the border

These days, people of Thuong Trach commune (Bo Trach district, Quang Binh province, Vietnam) and Noong Ma hamlet cluster (Bua La Pha district, Kham Muon province, Laos) are happily preparing for the signing ceremony.

It is expected that the signing ceremony of the agreement on residential clusters on both sides of the border will be held at the end of November 2024 at two locations, Noong Ma village cluster and Thuong Trach commune center, with many activities: inauguration and handover of the "Internal loudspeaker cluster", "Border light" project, "Zero-dong booth"; free medical examination and medicine distribution; incense offering in memory of heroic martyrs; announcement of the decision to support children in the program "Helping Lao students go to school"; sports exchanges... All create a vibrant atmosphere, demonstrating the strong solidarity between the two sides.

In recent years, Quang Binh province (Vietnam) and Khammouane province (Laos) have made strong strides in bilateral cooperation, 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 617 million USD (April 2023 - June 2024).

In the 2023-2024 school year, Quang Binh has received and trained 16 cadres and students from Khammouane province; focused on completing the construction of Thong Nhat Secondary School to hand over and put into use in August 2024, and at the same time carried out procedures to implement the Ethnic Minority General School Project in Mahaxay district, Khammouane province.

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

With the belief that neighborly love overcomes all distances, many generations of people have bonded and shared like real blood relatives. Village elder Dinh Xon, who preserves the traditions of the Ma Coong ethnic group in Thuong Trach commune, shared in the press: Although living in two different countries, the people of Thuong Trach and Noong Ma have deep kinship relations. Thanks to the facilitation of travel permits from both sides, people often visit and support each other in difficult times, especially during traditional holidays. Village elder Dinh Thut, a prestigious person in Troi village, Thuong Trach commune (Bo Trach), said that many Ma Coong people in Thuong Trach commune and people of Noong Ma village cluster have "fallen in love" and built families together. Thanks to that, the traditional feelings of people living along both sides of this border are always maintained and nurtured to become stronger and stronger...

"Although living in two different lands, the people of the two countries in this border area always share the same spirit of solidarity, patriotism and friendship. Whenever one side encounters difficulties, the other side is ready to help...", he said.

Over the years, the government and people of Thuong Trach have provided support for plants, seeds and farming techniques to the Noong Ma people. The meaningful 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 blood brothers. Whenever our villagers need support, Vietnamese friends are always ready, especially in times of difficulty and calamity, the people of Noong Ma village cluster always receive sincere and wholehearted help from Vietnamese friends in Thuong Trach.”

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

Stand side by side to maintain peaceful and developed borders

In Nghe An, a locality with 419 km of border with Laos, the neighborly relationship on both sides of the border is also demonstrated through many practical actions.

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

Nghe An Border Guards and Muong Phu villagers have contributed to the construction of many important projects for Nam Tay village, including a school, a community cultural house and three solidarity houses for families in especially difficult circumstances. In addition, experienced staff from the Station and Muong Phu village have also come to support Nam Tay village in economic development, implementing new production models such as growing oranges, releasing fish and raising pigs. Support for trees, breeds and guidance on livestock farming techniques are still maintained regularly, contributing to improving the lives of local people.

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

Not only providing material support, the people of the two villages also organize cultural and artistic exchange activities on major holidays and traditional New Year of the two ethnic groups. Head of Muong Phu village Luong Van Nguyen said: "Every time the two villages visit each other, there is only a bag of sticky rice, a cup of wine... but it is full of brotherly love".

The spirit of solidarity between the two peoples is not only demonstrated through supporting life but also through the task of protecting the border. Secretary and Head of Nam Tay village, Mr. Xeng Kham, said: The two peoples of Laos and Vietnam are united to protect the border and develop together. In particular, Nam Tay village is regularly visited by Que Phong district, Thong Thu border post, Thong Thu commune and Muong Phu village, who instruct them on how to raise livestock, grow crops, prevent diseases, and provide seedlings, cement, etc.

Thong Thu Border Guard Station also guided the Village Management Board and Nam Tay Party cell on how to operate, teach Vietnamese and propose measures to end illegal encroachment and encroachment. Thanks to this close support, the relationship between the two sides has become closer, no longer separated by mountains and rivers, but Vietnam and Laos are like brothers in one family, together building a peaceful, stable and sustainably developed border.

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