Officials from Bokeo Province in Laos presented state decorations to Vietnamese collectives and individuals in Son La Province on August 18. The delegation, led by Penkhan Butcha Pheng, awarded third-class Orders of Freedom to five provincial leaders. These honors recognize contributions to strengthening friendship and cooperation between the two neighboring countries. The ceremony highlighted the partnership between Son La and Bokeo in areas including national defense, security, education, and healthcare. Both provinces have maintained close ties over the years through people-to-people exchanges and mutual support in border areas.
Six government departments received third-class Labour Orders for their role in bilateral cooperation. The offices honored include the Provincial People's Committee, foreign affairs, agriculture and environment, health, culture and sports and tourism, and education. Son La College Rector Nguyen Duc Long received a third-class Friendship Order. Provincial leaders expressed gratitude for the recognition. They pledged to deepen ties with Lao partners under cooperation agreements running through 2029. The awards reflect the ongoing efforts to expand cooperation in economics, culture, and social development between the two provinces.