Brother villages

(Baonghean)In order to strengthen solidarity, friendship, cooperation, and mutual development in the border area, the Nghe An Border Guard Command advised the Provincial Party Committee and the People's Committee of Nghe An province to organize the signing of fraternal agreements between villages on both sides of the border. This initiative not only strengthens the long-standing solidarity between the people of Vietnam and Laos but also promptly resolves emerging issues, contributing to maintaining border security and sovereignty on each side, creating a favorable environment for the people on both sides of the border to develop their economy, culture, and society, and build their respective countries.

Signing of a sister village agreement between Ta Đo (Kỳ Sơn, Vietnam) and Na Mương (Laos).

After five months of implementing the village-to-village twinning program along the border, we had the opportunity to return to Muong Phu, Thong Thu commune, Que Phong district. Welcoming us, the head of Muong Phu village, Lo Van Lan, excitedly shared: "Since the program was launched..."Through the twinning program between Muong Phu village and Nam Tay village, we coordinated to prevent three instances of cattle crossing the border. The people of Muong Phu village discovered two lost cows, notified the Lao people, and returned them. The people of Nam Tay village provided the people of Muong Phu village with one ton of cassava seedlings to support agricultural production.

The villages of Muong Phu, Thong Thu commune, Que Phong district (Laos) and Nam Tay, Vieng Phan cluster, Sam To district, Hua Phan province (Laos) share cultural similarities and have been closely connected for a long time. Recalling the day the twinning plan was implemented, village head Lo Van Lan said: "When the border guards and local authorities explained the policy, the villagers were very pleased. The twinning plan between villages serves as a bridge to bring the two villages closer together and strengthen their bonds."

On November 30, 2013, the signing ceremony for the fraternal relationship between Muong Phu and Nam Tay villages took place. Following the Nam Tay - Muong Phu pair, there are now 11 more pairs of villages in the areas of 6 border guard posts along the Nghe An province border, such as Thanh Thuy, Phuc Son, Muong Tip, My Ly, Na Loi, and Keng Du posts, which have also signed fraternal agreements, creating many brotherly villages. At these signing ceremonies, the warm atmosphere, strong bonds of friendship, solidarity, and mutual understanding have truly breathed new life into the border region of the two countries in firmly protecting the sovereignty and security of each side's border.

Although the border agreement has not been in place for a long time, the awareness of the people has gradually improved. The people have a deep understanding of the Party's guidelines and policies, the State's laws, and are implementing the regulations and rules of their villages. They are also developing economic models, learning from each other, and helping each other to grow. Political security and social order are ensured. Illegal immigration, encroachment on land, illegal settlement, and marriages without the consent of the respective authorities have significantly decreased. Visiting relatives, exchanging goods, and trading between the two countries has become easier. People on both sides of the border are united and respect the law and regulations of the border agreement. In particular, the fight against and prevention of crimes such as drug trafficking, human trafficking, and illegal use of firearms has been effective, with people promptly reporting information to the authorities for timely and effective intervention.

Furthermore, traditional holidays and cultural activities of both ethnic groups are organized by the government and local people through mutual visits and greetings. Cultural and sports exchanges between villages are regularly organized, contributing to the introduction and preservation of each ethnic group's cultural identity and enriching the spiritual and cultural life of the people.

According to the plan, in 2014, the Nghe An Border Guard will implement the signing of fraternal village-to-village agreements in the area of ​​14 border guard posts along the province's border.

Hai Thuong

Nghe An Border Guard