According to Mr. Do Dang Tuoc, Chairman of the Vietnam - Laos Friendship Association of Dong Nai province, at present, the Association has nearly 1600 members. Most of them are people who used to work and took part in the revolutions in Laos, so they all have a deep love with the native people. In recent years, the Association has had many exciting activities in people – to –people. In most activities of the Association, from the provincial level to the local level, there are active participation of Lao international students studying in the province. Many Lao students are adopted, sponsored, supported by the Association members' families sothat they may have spiritual support to work hard and successfully complete their studies and contribute to their homeland after graduation.

Lao students attended the 45^th Anniversary of the National Day of the Lao People's Democratic Republic in Dong Nai province

Thipphavan, a fresh man at Dong Nai University, said “Even though, we are far from our hometown, family and relatives, we always feel close because of the friendly affection, caring and dedicated help of teachers, friends and local people. In particular, the hearted-felt and warm affection of the officials and members of the Vietnam - Laos Friendship Association of Dong Nai province make us feel comfortable and relaxed at home.

Mr. Hoang Van Thong, member of Association Branch 6 of Bien Hoa city said that on holidays, in cultural exchanges and Congresses, the Association Branch invites Laos students to attend and encourage them. I hope these activities can help propagandize and educate the young generations of the two countries to continue maintaining and promoting the "great friendship, special solidarity and comprehensive cooperation between Vietnam and Laos"; Students will also be a bridge to bring the image of the country and people of Vietnam, Dong Nai province to the neigbouring country.

Not only Association Branch 6 of Bien Hoa city but all branches and members of the Vietnam - Laos Friendship Association in Dong Nai province have deep love for Laos. They behave to Lao students like their beloved children with sincere sentiments, not only words of encouragement, but also gifts on traditional New Year and support in difficult circumstances. During the most complicated period of the Covid - 19 pandemic, the Association's members all shared the difficulties, bought necessities and brought to the dormitories of universities and colleges for Lao students.

Lao students performed a musical repertoire at the 45^th Anniversary of the National Day of the Lao People's Democratic Republic in Dong Nai province

Student Dedluexai Volaxai, who is a junior at Dong Nai Medical College said, “We are very grateful and emotional because we are often supported by the uncles in the Vietnam - Laos Friendship Association. During the isolation period in Vietnam due to the impact of Covid – 19 pandemic, we had to limit travel, but they brought us lots of neccessities, such as: rice, instant noodles, eggs, cooking oil, and cakes. We are very happy. This is really a valuable encouragement to help us be more confident during the pandemic.

Over the years, the provincial Vietnam – Laos Friendship Association also has many practical and meaningful activities such as organizing delegations to the Consulate General of Laos in Ho Chi Minh City to celebrate the National Day of the Lao People's Democratic Republic; join the medical team, groups of doctors of the province to offer medical examination and deliver medicines to people of Champasak province; organize the trip to visit the previous battlefield in Laos. During the peak of the pandemic, the provincial Vietnam – Laos Friendship Association donated 25,000 medical masks to people of Champasak province (Laos) for the Covid – 19 prevention and control ...

The Vietnam - Laos Friendship Association of Dong Nai province donated medical masks to people of Champasak province

Besides, the Vietnam - Laos Friendship Association of Dong Nai province has organized and participated in many other events, especially launched and raised funds to help Lao students and propagated to the young generation with special solidarity relations in Vietnam - Laos. These meaningful and effective activities and deeds show deep sentiments, contributing to building the special friendship between Vietnam and Laos for further in-depth and more fruitful development.