Dong Nai hosts traditional New Year celebration for Lao and Cambodian students

On April 8, at Bien Hung Park in Tran Bien ward, Department of Foreign Affairs in coordination with the Provincial Youth Union, Dong Nai Youth Federation, and the Provincial Students’ Association organized a gathering to celebrate the traditional New Year festivals of Bunpimay (Laos) and Chol Chnam Thmay (Cambodia), along with the Vietnam – Laos – Cambodia Friendship Cultural Festival for Lao and Cambodian students studying at universities and colleges in Dong Nai.

Nguyen Thi Hoang, member of the Provincial Party Committee and Vice Chairwoman of the Dong Nai People’s Committee, presents flowers and gifts to Cambodian Consul General in Ho Chi Minh City Chan Sorykan and Lao Consul General in Ho Chi Minh City Phonesy Bounmixay. Photo: Nga Son

The event was attended by Nguyen Thi Hoang, member of the PPC and Vice Chairwoman of the Dong Nai People’s Committee; Nguyen Minh Kien, member of the PPC and Vice Chairman of Dong Nai Fatherland Front Committee and Secretary of the Provincial Youth Union; Cambodian Consul General in Ho Chi Minh City Chan Sorykan; and Lao Consul General in Ho Chi Minh City Phonesy Bounmixay.

Vice Chairwoman of the Dong Nai People’s Committee Nguyen Thi Hoang presents gifts to representatives of Lao and Cambodian students on the occasion of the traditional New Year celebration. Photo: Nga Son

Speaking at the event, Vice Chairwoman Nguyen Thi Hoang emphasized that the friendship among Vietnam, Laos, and Cambodia has been nurtured by previous generations and remains an invaluable asset of the three nations. Contributing to preserving and promoting this friendship, Dong Nai authorities at all levels have in recent years actively expanded cooperation with partners and localities in Laos and Cambodia, while facilitating students from the two countries to pursue their studies in the province through various training support programs.

To date, Dong Nai has supported the training of 260 Lao students. Currently, 73 Lao and Cambodian students are studying at five universities and colleges across the province.

Lao and Cambodian students perform traditional New Year greetings for delegates. Photo: Nga Son

In order to help Lao and Cambodian students celebrate their traditional New Year festivals while studying away from home, Dong Nai has maintained this annual gathering for the Lao and Cambodian students studying in the province.

On the occasion of Bunpimay and Chol Chnam Thmay, Nguyen Thi Hoang extended New Year greetings to the Lao and Cambodian consular representatives in Ho Chi Minh City as well as to the Lao and Cambodian students. She also expressed hope that the students would continue striving in their studies, acquiring knowledge to contribute to their homelands, while serving as active contributors to further strengthening solidarity and friendship among the three countries, toward building a peaceful, cooperative, and prosperous ASEAN Community.

Lao and Cambodian students perform the traditional wrist-tying ritual to convey New Year wishes. Photo: Nga Son

For their part, Cambodian Consul General Chan Sorykan and Lao Consul General Phonesy Bounmixay expressed their sincere appreciation to the Dong Nai Provincial Party Committee, People’s Council, People’s Committee, the Fatherland Front Committee, as well as departments, agencies, and educational institutions for their continued support in facilitating study and participation in activities for Lao and Cambodian students, particularly enabling them to celebrate their traditional New Year festivals.

Both Cambodian and Lao Consul Generals also conveyed their best wishes to provincial leaders and delegates, expressing hope for continued health, happiness, and success, while affirming their aspiration for the special friendship among the three nations to remain evergreen and enduring.

A cultural performance staged by Lao students at the event. Photo: Nga Son

At the program, provincial leaders presented flowers and gifts to the Cambodian and Lao Consuls General in Ho Chi Minh City, and offered gifts to Lao and Cambodian student representatives on the occasion of their traditional New Year festivals.

In addition, students performed traditional New Year greeting rituals for delegates, enjoyed cultural performances and cuisine, and took part in games organized by the Provincial Youth Union and Students’ Association.

By Nga Son – Translated by M.Nguyet, Thu Ha