Over the past years, the Da Nang Youth Union and related units have regularly organized a number of cultural, artistic and sports exchange activities between the Da Nang youth and Lao students, hereby contributing to developing good and lasting friendship between Viet Nam and Laos.

Youth Union members in Hoa Tho Dong Ward, Cam Le District, along with Lao students, joining a cultural exchange programme on November 19, 2022. Photo: C.L

2022 marks the 60^th anniversary of the Viet Nam-Laos diplomatic ties (September 5, 1962 - 2022) and the 45^th anniversary of the signing of the Viet Nam - Laos Amity and Cooperation Treaty (July 18, 1977 - 2022)

Therefore, the municipal Youth Union has focused on educating the young generation about the good and strong traditional relationship between Viet Nam and Laos, especially through cultural, artistic and sports exchange activities between the city's youth and Lao students.

Competing in the traditional costume contest at the Thanh Khe District-hosted Viet Nam - Laos Cultural Exchange Festival 2022, Namfon Phommasyda, 21, from Attapeu Province, Laos, looked elegant and extremely attractive in ‘ao dai’ (traditional Vietnamese long dress). The female Lao student stood out when she spoke Vietnamese quite fluently.

Namfon said that she has studied Vietnamese for nearly 2 years and she is currently a second-year student majoring in Political Education at the University of Education – the University of Da Nang.

During her stay in Da Nang, Namfon really loves Quang noodles and banh xeo, especially ‘ao dai’.

“I really like wearing ‘ao dai’ because it helps to increase my femininity and tenderness. This is also the reason why I chose Ao Dai for my costume performance. I am very happy to receive support and praise from the audience," Namfon confided.

During the festival, Da Nang and Lao students together performed 'Lam Vong' dance -the traditional dance of Laos.

Akkhavong Dao Oxy, 21, from Sekong Province, Laos, was seen enthusiastically guiding Vietnamese friends Lam Vong dance.

Akkhavong Dao Oxy is a second-year student majoring Information Technology at the University of Education - the University of Da Nang.

Currently, Akkhavong and 24 Lao students participate in the homestay programme for Lao students in Thanh Khe District. In particular, she lives with the family of Mr. Nguyen Tien Dan in Thanh Khe Dong Ward, Thanh Khe District. Dan's wife and husband love her like a family member.

“This is a meaningful time to help us experience Vietnamese culture and love the land and people here more," Akkhavong shared.

According to Secretary of Thanh Khe District chapter of the Da Nang Youth Union Nguyen Duy Rin, the Viet Nam - Laos Cultural Exchange Festival in 2022 attracted the participation of a large number of Laotian Youth Union members and students living and studying in the locality, thereby greatly contributing to preserving, promoting and honouring the cultural identity of the two countries.

Mr. Le Cong Hung, Deputy Secretary of the Da Nang Youth Union cum Chairman of the municipal Student Union, said that every year, the municipal Youth Union, the city’s Student Association and related units organize many exchange and support programmes for Lao students are studying in the city.

Most recently, the Viet Nam - Laos cultural exchange festival 2022 has been effectively organized by the Youth Union organisation, bringing practical meaning and creating solidarity between the youth of the two countries.

In the coming time, the municipal Youth Union will direct its chapters and Student Unions of universities and colleges to continue to support Lao students, and at the same time organize many meaningful programmes to further strengthen great solidarity and comprehensive cooperation between Vietnamese and Lao young people.

Reporting by NGOC QUOC - Translating by M.DUNG