The Lao Embassy’s representatives have praised the contributions that the Vietnam-Laos Friendship Association of the northern province of Thai Nguyen has made in fostering ties between the two countries.

It was heard at a conference to review the association’s operations in the 2009-2014 period on January 20 in Thai Nguyen that the association was established on January 9, 2009.

From its initial 1,000 members, the association now has 130,000 people, including veterans, former volunteer soldiers to Laos and locals from all social classes.

Over the past five years, the association has carried out many practical activities in various fields, including economics, education and training, culture and tourism, contributing to strengthening the ties between Vietnam and Laos .

Particularly, activities to celebrate the Vietnam-Laos Friendship and Solidarity Year in 2012 hosted by the province were highly applauded by domestic and international communities.

So far, 410 Lao students are studying in different schools and universities in Thai Nguyen.

On the occasion, the association presented “For Peace and Friendship between nations” insignias to five individuals in recognition of their contributions to people-to-people diplomacy. Certificates of merit were also presented to five teams and four individuals.-VNA