Building a Sturdy Friendship: A Long-Lasting Bridge Between the Peoples and Nations of Vietnam and Cambodia

DNHN - “We are always deeply aware of our role and mission in contributing to enhancing understanding, consolidating and strengthening the traditional solidarity and comprehensive cooperation between the peoples of Vietnam and Cambodia”.

Ms Nguyen Thi Thanh - Member of the Party Central Committee, Head of the National Assembly Delegation Affairs Committee, Deputy Head of the Central Organisation Commission, and President of the Vietnam - Cambodia Friendship Association emphasised this in her speech at the handover ceremony of sponsorship for Cambodian students studying in the Hanoi area for the 2023 - 2024 academic year, and support for Friendship School 80 (Son Tay town, Hanoi) in 2024.

Nurturing friendship, and caring for the younger generation of students from both countries

As a programme launched in 2012 to support Cambodian students studying in Vietnam initiated by the Vietnam - Cambodia Friendship Association, after more than 12 years of implementation, the sponsorship and support activities for Cambodian students studying in Vietnam, starting with only 12 volunteer member families sponsoring 34 students in Hanoi and Thai Binh, have now spread to almost all provinces and cities where Cambodian students are studying, with the participation of over 100 families, organisations, and individuals volunteering to sponsor nearly 600 students. Through the sponsorship and support activities for students, the relationship between the sponsoring collectives, families, individuals, and Cambodian students is increasingly close and intimate. The students have many opportunities to experience and learn about the culture and beauty of Vietnamese life, thereby contributing to further enriching their knowledge and understanding of the sincere, pure tradition of solidarity and friendship of the Vietnamese people.

Speaking about this, Mr Nguyen Van Hung - Vice President of the Vietnam - Cambodia Friendship Association, and Chairman of Phoenix International Group said that although not much, what they bring to the students in difficult times will make them think well of Vietnam. “I think that in the future when they have the opportunity to grow up, develop in any field, they will remember a time like that, remember a beautiful Vietnam imbued with the spirit of solidarity and friendship between Vietnam and Cambodia,” said Mr Hung.

According to Ms Nguyen Thi Thanh, most of the Cambodian students who are sponsored and cared for in Vietnam have good academic results. “Those who have returned home all have stable jobs, suitable for their majors, and have many development opportunities. Some have gone on to do masters and doctorates and still cherish the good memories of their time as students in Vietnam, often keeping in touch, confiding, and sharing joys and sorrows with the collectives, families, and individuals who sponsored them in Vietnam like family members. Many Cambodian students who are sponsored and adopted by Vietnamese families have been moved to say that they feel like they have a second family during their time living and experiencing life with their Vietnamese adoptive parents. Those have become beautiful, meaningful, and unforgettable memories for them during their time studying away from home.”

Phoenix Group and the Cultivation of Solidarity and Friendship Between Vietnam and Cambodia

500 million VND is the equipment sponsorship package for Friendship School 80 on this occasion from Phoenix International Group.

“In the process of working, researching, and surveying, we realised that the places where the students study still lack many things, especially during hot weather or in the cold of winter. This has affected the students’ learning. Therefore, we decided to sponsor the installation of air conditioning and air-conditioning systems in 30 dormitories for Cambodian students,” confided Mr Nguyen Van Hung - Chairman of Phoenix International Group.

“In just one week, Phoenix International Group mobilised manpower and resources to complete the installation as quickly as possible with the desire to accompany Cambodian students so that they have better living conditions, thereby achieving higher academic achievements,” added Mr Hung.

In addition, the Chairman with a benevolent heart also affirmed: “Whether a business has a lot of money or not, when participating in social security and charity projects, not only with Cambodia but also in other projects, I always think about how to bring warmth, sharing, and joy to people in the most meaningful, intimate, and simple way.”

“Every business and entrepreneur has advantages and difficulties. I always take to heart the Vietnamese proverb that “the way of giving is greater than the gift itself”. That is humanity, beauty, and culture to leave in the hearts of everyone as well as contribute to further fostering the friendship between Vietnam and Cambodia.”

In a solemn atmosphere, the Cambodian Ambassador to Vietnam - Chea Kimtha expressed her gratitude to the Vietnam - Cambodia Friendship Association and the families, individuals, and organisations that have sponsored Cambodian students studying in Vietnam. She believes that Cambodian students will receive sincere, intimate feelings and effective companionship throughout their studies in Vietnam as well as after graduation. At the same time, the Ambassador also hopes that the students will integrate with their host families, sharing the cultural traditions and beauty of Cambodian life.

Uyen Nhi