Sponsoring Cambodian Students Toward Long-Term Companionship
	People-to-People Diplomacy Drives Practical Cooperation for Development

The conference was attended by Nguyen Thi Thanh, Member of the Party Central Committee, Vice Chairwoman of the National Assembly, and President of the Association; Nguyen Dinh Viet, Deputy Secretary of the Provincial Party Committee and Chairman of the Son La Provincial People’s Committee; along with representatives of the Viet Nam Union of Friendship Organizations, local leaders, and members of the Association’s Executive Committee.

Promoting the role as a bridge between the two peoples

In her opening remarks, Nguyen Thi Thanh stated that 2025 and the early months of 2026 have witnessed many significant political milestones for the country, creating a favorable foundation for external relations and people-to-people diplomacy.

On that basis, the Association has continued to affirm its role as a reliable bridge between the peoples of the two countries, achieving comprehensive results. Communication on the tradition of friendship has been strengthened, while exchange and cooperation activities have been implemented in a practical manner, generating positive and far-reaching impacts.

Nguyen Thi Thanh, Member of the Party Central Committee, Vice Chairwoman of the National Assembly, and President of the Vietnam-Cambodia Friendship Association, delivers the opening remarks at the conference. (Photo: Nguyen Dinh)

A notable highlight was the ceremony marking the 50th anniversary of the Association’s establishment and the receipt of the First-Class Labor Order, which helped affirm the role of people-to-people diplomacy in consolidating Vietnam–Cambodia relations.

Programs for the younger generation have continued to receive attention. In 2025, the Association sponsored 119 Cambodian students, exceeding the set target, and organized numerous student exchange activities, thereby enhancing mutual understanding and strengthening bonds between the youth of the two countries. Social welfare efforts were also effectively carried out, including the construction and renovation of 40 gratitude houses for former volunteer soldiers facing difficult circumstances, spreading humanitarian values and a sense of community responsibility.

With these achievements, the Association was recognized by the Presidium of the Viet Nam Union of Friendship Organizations as an “Outstanding emulation unit in the patriotic emulation movement for the 2020-2025 period,” and was awarded a Certificate of Merit for outstanding task performance during 2020–2025, as well as the Emulation Flag for excellence in 2025.

Nguyen Dinh Viet, Deputy Secretary of the Provincial Party Committee and Chairman of the Son La Provincial People’s Committee, speaks at the conference. (Photo: Nguyen Dinh)

In his welcoming remarks, Nguyen Dinh Viet noted that Son La is pursuing development in a green, rapid, and sustainable direction, while also focusing on expanding cooperation and strengthening people-to-people diplomacy. He emphasized that consolidating friendly relations with international partners, including Cambodia, is of great significance in maintaining a peaceful and stable environment and creating momentum for local development.

He expressed confidence that the conference would propose practical tasks and solutions for 2026, contributing to the continued nurturing of the traditional friendship between Vietnam and Cambodia.

Five key priorities to enhance the effectiveness of people-to-people diplomacy in 2026

Discussions and opinions at the conference reached consensus in assessing that in 2025, the Association at all levels demonstrated proactiveness and creativity in effectively implementing its tasks, thereby contributing to strengthening bonds and trust between the peoples of the two countries and further deepening the social foundation of Vietnam-Cambodia relations. Many practical models and approaches were carried out, generating positive impacts across society.

Delegates attending the conference. (Photo: Nguyen Dinh)

Participants also pointed out several limitations, including dispersed resources and uneven implementation across localities, which require more synchronized and substantive solutions in the time ahead.

Concluding the conference, Nguyen Thi Thanh called on all levels of the Association to focus on five key priorities in 2026 to enhance operational effectiveness:

First, promptly disseminate and thoroughly grasp the outcomes of the conference; develop 2026 action plans tailored to each locality, in connection with preparations for the Congress and activities marking the 60th anniversary of the establishment of Vietnam-Cambodia diplomatic relations in 2027.

Second, prepare for the 6th National Congress of the Association (scheduled for the fourth quarter of 2026) in a proactive, synchronized, and innovative manner; ensure comprehensive preparation from documentation and personnel to implementation; and prioritize building a cadre with strong political integrity, professional expertise in external affairs, and a high sense of responsibility.

Third, continue consolidating and streamlining the Association’s organizational structure toward greater efficiency and effectiveness; expand networks and membership, especially among youth, businesses, and dedicated individuals; and enhance grassroots proactiveness, taking operational effectiveness as the key measure.

Fourth, effectively implement key programs and activities such as “Nurturing Friendship,” youth exchanges, community cooperation, and economic connectivity; at the same time, strengthen exchanges and coordination with Cambodian organizations to promote cooperation across various fields and contribute to building a peaceful, friendly, cooperative, and developed border area.

Fifth, strengthen information, communication, and education on traditional ties in a timely, accurate, and impactful manner, particularly targeting younger generations; proactively counter and refute misinformation, and safeguard and reinforce the foundation of Vietnam-Cambodia friendship.

To effectively implement these tasks, Nguyen Thi Thanh urged all levels of the Association to actively conduct research and provide recommendations to Party committees and authorities, while enhancing coordination with the Viet Nam Union of Friendship Organizations and relevant agencies and partners of both countries. This would help further promote the Association’s role as a bridge between the peoples and contribute to consolidating and sustainably developing Vietnam-Cambodia relations.

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