Alun Bumixay from the Lao Ministry of Information, Culture and Tourism: Maintaining and promoting special Vietnam-Laos solidarity
Mr. Bumixay, who is currently studying at the Ho Chi Minh National Political and Administration Academy in Vietnam, said he is greatly honoured to have been chosen to attend a training course in Vietnam. He says for him, Vietnam is home to brave, industrious and creative people, the most prominent of whom was President Ho Chi Minh, a shining example for younger generations to study and follow. He said he is always moved when he hears about President Ho's journey and fight for national salvation.
Bumixay highly values the special traditional relationship between Vietnam and Laos, especially in education and training. He said Vietnamese teachers always care about Lao students and the two countries also have a lot of things in common. Both countries have a national Teachers Day, November 20 in Vietnam and October 7 in Laos, when students present their teachers with flowers or small gifts to express their gratitude. He considers this a fine cultural tradition shared by the two countries.
The two most significant milestones in the Vietnam-Laos co-operative relationship are the 50th anniversary of Vietnam-Laos diplomatic relations (September 5, 1962-2012) and the 35th anniversary of the Vietnam-Laos Friendship and Co-operation Treaty (July 18, 1977-2012). This special bilateral solidarity and relationship has always been treasured by both Parties, States and peoples.
Mr. Bumixay believes that every individual, family and agency in the two countries, from the central to the local levels, should continue implementing the policies and guidelines of the two Parties and States to help preserve and promote the special relationship between Laos and Vietnam. Bumixay also said he hopes that he will acquire both theoretical and practical knowledge during his stay in Vietnam so he will be able to successfully fulfill the tasks assigned by the Lao Party, State and people and contribute to building Laos into a prosperous country.
Mr. Hoang Xuan Thai, member of the Standing Committee of the Vietnam – Laos Friendship Association: Believing in the special relationship
Mr. Hoang Xuan Thai has worked closely with the Lao revolution and lived with caring Lao people for nearly 30 years and he has learned many important lessons from Lao friends, brothers and comrades.
Entrusted with directly supervising Lao experts in disseminating information and popularising, culture, education and training, Mr Thai met and worked with many Lao leaders, most notably Prince Souphanuvong, who led the Lao Front for National Construction and raised the flag to bring all Lao ethnic tribes together. Thai said he was greatly impressed by the Prince’s travels, as well as stories about the man who, even though he was born into a feudal aristocratic family, was determined to follow the revolutionary cause and devoted his life fighting for independence, freedom, happiness and prosperity for the ethnic tribes in Laos.
When he recently returned to Laos, Thai was deeply moved by the Lao people’s brotherly sentiments which have remained unchanged over time. He was pleased with the changes he saw in Sam Nua, a region that was devastated by bombing 30 years ago, and says he believes the people of Laos are heading towards a bright future.
Thai said that the two fraternal nations should join hands to nourish their unique solidarity and support each other’s development in this period of complicated changes in the international situation. He also hopes that the younger generations in both countries will continue to to develop the special everlasting relationship between Vietnam and Laos.