Vice Secretary of the An Giang provincial Youth Union and President of the provincial Việt Nam Youth Federation Đỗ Minh Sang speaks at the gathering.  — VNA/VNS Photo

AN GIANG — The Mekong Delta province of An Giang’s Youth Union on Friday held a gathering to mark the traditional New Year festivals of Cambodia (Chol Chnam Thmay) and Laos (Bunpimay).

The event brought together Cambodian and Lao students currently studying in the province, along with Khmer youth union officials.

Speaking at the event, Vice Secretary of the provincial Youth Union and President of the provincial Việt Nam Youth Federation Đỗ Minh Sang extended new year greetings to the participants and underscored the importance of fostering solidarity and mutual support among the three nations.

He highlighted that the enduring cooperation was a vital factor in ensuring their successful struggles for independence in the past and continues to be a foundation for national development and peace at present and in the future.

Currently, 21 students from Cambodia and Laos are studying at An Giang University under the Việt Nam National University – HCM City. Over the past time, provincial authorities have always supported these students through a variety of initiatives, including organising cross-cultural exchanges involving the Kinh, Chăm, Hoa, and Khmer communities, and disseminating the Party's guidelines and the State's policies and laws, especially those regarding start-up support for ethnic youth, and delivering free healthcare services. Notably, the students are regularly invited to gatherings and presented with gifts during traditional holidays.

These efforts not only help create a welcoming and supportive environment for international students to focus on their academic and personal development, but also serve as a bridge to strengthen the friendship and cooperation between Việt Nam, Laos, and Cambodia.

Representing the guest students, Pech Sovuthika, a Cambodian student majoring in Food Technology, thanked An Giang’s leaders, youth organisations, and the university for their continued support. He pledged to study hard and return to contribute to his home country's development.

On this occasion, the union also presented certificates of merit to 21 ethnic Khmer students for their outstanding academic performance in the first semester of the 2024–2025 academic year. Tet gifts were also distributed to 21 Cambodian and Lao students, and 26 Khmer youth union officials. — VNS