Vietnamese-Lao-Cambodian females strengthen friendly relations

The forum was held o­n the occasion of the 40th anniversary of the signing of the Vietnam-Laos Friendship and Cooperation Treaty, the 55th anniversary of the establishment of Vietnam-Laos diplomatic relations and the 50th anniversary since the establishment of diplomatic relations between Vietnam and Cambodia.

The event gathered representatives from central and local agencies alongside nearly 80 deputies who are senior female leaders and entrepreneurs of the three countries.

Speaking at the forum, Deputy Prime Minister and Foreign Minister Pham Binh Minh emphasised that the lesson to be taken from the history of struggle for independence and development of the three countries is "unity makes strength". In the common friendship of the three peoples, the relationship of solidarity, closeness and intimacy of the women of the three nations has been affirmed over time and has become more profound with the Women's Unions broadly uniting females for national independence, gender equality and development.

Deputy PM Minh also stressed that in the international and regional commitments, female issues are always of concern, while gender equality is considered both a goal and a condition of sustainable development. At present, sustainable development is always a particular interest and has been promoted at the national, regional and global levels. This offers many opportunities to advance the trend of cooperation and development, as well as to enhance the role and contribution of women.

The FM also expressed his belief that, in the near future, the Women's Unions of the three countries would continue to promote cooperation and propose solutions to address common challenges, thereby creating conditions for women to equally contribute to socio-economic issues. Meanwhile, with innovative thinking and approach, women of the three countries will act more vigorously to nurture the friendship and prosperity of the three nations, laying an important foundation for an integrated, peaceful and stable ASEAN Community.

Deputy PM and FM Pham Binh Minh speaks at the forum. (Credit: phunuvietnam.vn)

Sharing the results of the cooperation between the Women's Unions of three countries, Nguyen Thi Thu Ha, President of Vietnam Women's Union said that based o­n the signed agreements, the Women's Unions of the three countries has carried out many exchanges, cooperation and mutual assistance, making important contributions to people exchanges and friendly and cooperative relations in general.

In particular, the Women's Unions have cooperated effectively in many areas, such as poverty reduction, rural development, vocational training and employment for women, in addition to women and girls’ health care, tourism development and border area cooperation. Collaborative activities to promote gender equality and women's development have been implemented. The three-country women's programmes and partnerships are linked to the region's common development goals, aiming at gender equality. Thereby, the role and status of women in the three countries is becoming increasingly advanced, making women increasingly active and comprehensive in all aspects of life.

Ha continued to say that from these results, presented at the forum, the three women’s unions will continue exchanging experiences and sharing proposals in order to create conditions for women in the three countries to promote their role and strengthen exchanges and cooperation in implementing national, regional and international commitments o­n sustainable development and gender equality.

Emphasising the role of women in all areas, Inlavan Keobunphanh, President of the Lao Women's Union, said that the Lao Women's Union has gathered, united and encouraged women to participate in the protection of women and children, as well as building the country and making a positive contribution to the achievement of sustainable development goals. Alongside this, the union has promoted cooperation in the women work in Laos, Vietnam and Cambodia towards common goals, including the objective of sustainable development associated with cooperation in the regional and international arena.

Affirming the increasingly effective cooperation between females of the three countries, Men Sam An, Cambodian Deputy PM cum Chairwoman of the Cambodian Women for Peace and Development, expressed her confidence in the cooperation between the Women's Unions of the three countries in maintaining the strategic and long-term cooperation with the Parties and Governments of each country, contributing to the goal of building peace, good neighbours and developing the socio-economic development of the three countries, as well as the region as a whole.

At the forum, delegates discussed and shared experiences in implementing measures to empower women, especially in economic and political fields; support women to cope with climate change; develop the Women's Unions and increase the participation of women in leadership; in addition to promoting tourism, international cooperation and education for younger generations.

To strengthen the role of women in sustainable development, representatives proposed that each country's Women's Union actively participates in building the legal system o­n gender equality and empowering women, while actively participating in and promoting the implementation of international and regional commitments o­n sustainable development, gender equality and advancement of women.

They should also support women in improving their capacities in all aspects in response to global challenges, as well as timely sharing information and lessons learnt in supporting women's development and building and implementing projects for the development of women in the three countries.