Vice State President Nguyen Thi Doan on November 22 received a delegation of 19 former Lao students who had studied and undertaken research in Vietnam.

The Vice State President applauded the visit, which took place on the occasion of Vietnam Teachers’ Day (Nov. 20), saying that it revealed the former Lao students’ deep sentiments towards their Vietnamese teachers.

“This was also a chance for the former students to witness Vietnam ’s renewal achievements,” she added.

Doan thanked the Lao Party, State and people for their valuable support for Vietnam during the struggle for national independence in the past as well as the current national construction and defence.

She said she was pleased with the fact that the former Lao students are now holding important positions in various fields in their country.

The former Lao students’ successes are significant gifts for Vietnamese teachers, she said, adding that they also act as a bridge for strengthening the Vietnam-Lao special friendship and comprehensive cooperation.

On behalf of the former students, Somkot Mangnomek, Party Committee Secretary and Mayor of Xieng Khouang province, expressed thanks to the Vietnamese Party, State and people for training thousands of Lao students, a remarkable human resource for the development of the Lao country.

The former Lao students said they were moved to return to Vietnam , which is considered their second homeland, by their unforgettable memories of Vietnamese teachers and friends.

They affirmed that whatever positions they hold, they would always look towards Vietnam , wherever they had lived and studied, and would try their best to foster the special friendship and solidarity between Vietnam and Laos .

On the occasion, Vice State President Doan presented the Friendship Order offered by State President Nguyen Minh Triet to Somkot Mangnomek for his important contributions to consolidating and developing Vietnam-Laos ties./.