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| Madam Naly Sisoulith, spouse of the General Secretary and President of Laos, and Vietnamese Ambassador to Laos Nguyen Minh Tam present the first loving gifts to people with disabilities. (Source: VNA) |
The event is not only a charitable activity marking the New Year but also a vivid testament to the special solidarity between the peoples and Buddhist communities of the two countries.
The program took place in a solemn yet warm atmosphere, attended by Buddhist dignitaries from both countries such as Venerable Mahaveth Masenay, President of the Central Laos Buddhist Fellowship; Venerable Bounsuon Phanthavong, Permanent Vice President of the Central Laos Buddhist Fellowship; Venerable Thich Minh Quang, Head of the Vietnam-Laos Buddhist Cooperation Coordination Committee, Abbot of Phat Tich Pagoda; along with monks and nuns; Madam Naly Sisoulith, spouse of the General Secretary and President of Laos; Vietnamese Ambassador to Laos Nguyen Minh Tam and his spouse; embassy officials, representatives of the General Association and Vietnamese associations in Laos, along with a large number of Vietnamese expatriates and Buddhists from both countries.
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| Vietnamese Ambassador to Laos Nguyen Minh Tam speaks at the event. (Source: VNA) |
Ambassador Nguyen Minh Tam expressed his honour to attend the "Loving Tet Gift Giving Program for the Lunar New Year of the Horse 2026" at Phat Tich Pagoda during the early days of the new spring.
The Ambassador extended New Year greetings to the Buddhist dignitaries of both countries, leaders, distinguished guests, and all compatriots, wishing them a New Year full of health, peace, happiness, and success.
The Ambassador emphasised that Phat Tich Pagoda has long been a beloved spiritual home for the Vietnamese community in Laos, and a vivid symbol of the close ties and harmony between Buddhism and the peoples of Vietnam and Laos.
Under the guidance of Venerable Thich Minh Quang and Buddhist dignitaries, the pagoda is not only a place for study and religious activities but also a spiritual support, connecting people and spreading the values of compassion, kindness, and community responsibility.
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| Venerable Thich Minh Quang, Head of the Vietnam-Laos Buddhist Cooperation Coordination Committee, Abbot of Phat Tich Pagoda in Vientiane, speaks at the event. (Source: VNA) |
The Ambassador extended heartfelt inquiries and encouragement to people with disabilities and families in difficult circumstances, hoping they continue to strive to overcome challenges, maintaining faith and determination to rise in life.
The Ambassador also affirmed that the Vietnamese Embassy in Laos is always committed to caring for and protecting the legitimate rights and interests of the Vietnamese community living, studying, and working in Laos.
Recently, the Embassy has closely coordinated with associations, Lao authorities, and religious organisations to implement practical activities such as citizen protection, legal support, educational encouragement, cultural-social activities, and charity; while encouraging the community to comply with the local laws, actively integrate, and contribute to the development of the brotherly Lao nation, thereby contributing to the nurturing of the great friendship, special solidarity, comprehensive cooperation, and strategic connectivity between the two countries.
Venerable Thich Minh Quang expressed deep gratitude for the attention of the leaders of both countries, the Vietnamese Embassy in Laos, and the benevolent organisations and individuals who have joined hands to organise this meaningful early-year activity.
Although the gifts are not of high value, they reflect the spirit of mutual support, "the good leaves protect the worn-out leaves", a testament to the beautiful humanitarian tradition of both nations.
The Venerable emphasised that the spirit of compassion and alleviation of suffering in Buddhism is always linked with the responsibility to serve society. Phat Tich Pagoda will continue to maintain and expand charitable and humanitarian activities, caring for the disadvantaged; while also being a bridge to foster solidarity between the Vietnamese community and the Lao people.
Sharing the significance of the "Loving Tet Gift Giving Program for the Lunar New Year of the Horse 2026", Venerable Thich Minh Quang affirmed that the program is an activity that strengthens the special Vietnam-Laos friendship.
Notably, this year's program takes place after Vietnam successfully organised the 14th National Congress of the Communist Party of Vietnam, opening a new chapter for Vietnam to confidently advance into a new era under the leadership of General Secretary To Lam. The year 2026 is also special as the leaders of Vietnam and Laos have agreed to elevate their relationship to a new level by adding the phrase "strategic connectivity" to the content of their special bilateral relationship.
Venerable Thich Minh Quang noted that with the participation of Madam Naly Sisoulith, spouse of the General Secretary and President of Laos, and representatives of the Central Lao Front for National Construction, the "Loving Tet Gift Giving Program for the Lunar New Year of the Horse 2026" not only helps spread the beautiful traditional culture of "the good leaves protect the worn-out leaves" of Vietnamese people in Laos but also reflects the spirit of compassion in Buddhism, always linked with the responsibility to serve society, thereby helping to strengthen the special Vietnam-Laos friendship.
In the Year of the Horse 2026, Phat Tich Pagoda will continue to promote charitable activities so that the compassionate hearts of Vietnamese people can spread more widely in Lao society and within the Vietnamese community in Laos.
The program concluded with the joy of Vietnamese expatriates and local residents, ushering in a New Year with confidence in the prosperous development of Vietnam, as well as the deep and enduring development of the great friendship, special solidarity, comprehensive cooperation, and strategic connectivity between Vietnam and Laos, and vice versa.
