During the meeting, Phan Anh Son briefed Ambassador Khamphao Ernthavanh on VUFO’s organizational structure and operations following recent institutional restructuring. He emphasized that with unprecedented global and regional complexities, Viet Nam and Laos are confronting major challenges in both international and domestic contexts, particularly in socio-economic development. This situation calls for stronger coordination, dialogue, and experience sharing between the two sides.
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| VUFO President Phan Anh Son meets with Lao Ambassador to Viet Nam Khamphao Ernthavanh. (Photo: Dinh Hoa) |
Stressing the need to elevate people-to-people ties in line with the exceptional relationship between the two countries, Phan Anh Son proposed several specific directions for cooperation.
Accordingly, VUFO plans to convene a meeting with the Viet Nam–Laos Friendship Association and its provincial chapters to develop a concrete action plan to advance bilateral cooperation through the people-to-people channel. Particular attention will be given to strengthening ties between localities, especially those along the shared border.
Regarding the younger generation, Phan Anh Son highlighted the importance of enhancing educational cooperation to foster mutual understanding and reinforce the special Viet Nam–Laos solidarity. VUFO is preparing to welcome a delegation of Lao students currently studying at universities in Laos who are expected to work in government agencies, social organizations, or businesses, for exchanges with Vietnamese students pursuing similar paths.
He also suggested expanding university-level cooperation beyond language instruction and scholarship programs to include joint research and the exchange of experiences in public administration. VUFO expressed its willingness to partner with the Lao Embassy in Viet Nam, the Laos–Viet Nam Friendship Association, the Lao Committee for Peace and Solidarity, and other counterparts to design distinctive programs that enrich bilateral people-to-people ties in the new period.
Ambassador Khamphao Ernthavanh endorsed the proposals by Phan Anh Son and underlined the vital role of people-to-people diplomacy in preserving and promoting the great friendship, special solidarity, and comprehensive cooperation between Viet Nam and Laos. She praised VUFO’s recent efforts and initiatives, and affirmed that the Lao Embassy will continue to work closely with VUFO to effectively implement people-to-people exchange programs in a more practical, substantive manner, aligned with the development needs of both nations.
Source: Vietnamtimes
