Twinning residential clusters to keep border peace

Phong Tho is a border district bordering Kim Binh district, Yunnan province, China with a border of more than 97km. Foreign affairs are always focused on by the district, especially the implementation of the model of Twinning residential clusters on both sides of the border.

In November 2023, Ma Ly Pho village, Ma Li Pho commune, became twinned with Bach Thach Nham village, Kim Thuy Ha town. Thereby contributing to fostering traditional solidarity. People of the two villages support each other in economic development, exchange, share experiences in promoting and developing community tourism, cultural activities, and traditional cuisine.

Ms. Lu Thi Van, a resident of Ban Ma Ly Pho, Ma Li Pho commune, shared: I am a border resident who often goes to the neighboring country to import raw materials for embroidery and making clothes. When going to China, I must have a passport and strictly follow the regulations and not cross the border to work as a hired hand. When I heard that the village was sister to Bach Thach Nham village, I was very happy. I hope that the two villages will regularly exchange culture and help each other develop together.

Ma Ly Pho village has 60 households with about 280 people, mainly Dao ethnic people. Ma Ly Pho villagers always have absolute trust in the leadership of the Party. In every family, they hang a picture of Uncle Ho and the national flag on every holiday and anniversary. Villagers unite to help each other develop the economy.

Intensive farming, increasing crops, applying science and technology to production. Infrastructure such as lighting systems, intra-village and inter-village roads are invested in. Life is increasingly improved. Living in the border area, people in the village strictly follow regulations on border protection, regulations on entry and exit. Provide border guards and police with useful information to prevent crimes of smuggling, drug trafficking, and human trafficking.

Ms. Ly Minh Huong, Secretary of the Ma Ly Pho village Party cell, said: The Party and State have approved the policy of Ma Ly Pho village forming a sister village with Bach Thach Nham village. At the end of 2023, the two villages signed a long-term cooperation agreement and shared experiences in economic development. To maintain solidarity between the two villages, we also actively propagate to people not to illegally import and export goods and prevent human trafficking crimes.

Currently, Phong Tho district and Kim Binh district, Yunnan, China have 4 pairs of friendly twinned villages: Po To village, Huoi Luong commune with Cua Cai village; Gia Khau village, Si Lo Lau commune with Seo Co San village; Ma Ly Pho village, Ma Li Pho commune with Bach Thach Nham village; Vang Pheo village, Muong So commune with Kim Thuy Ha village, Kim Thuy Ha town, Kim Binh district.

Through twinning activities, the relationship of national solidarity and kinship between the people on both sides of the border will be further strengthened. It will help the people on both sides of the border support each other in economic, cultural and social development; build sentiment, awareness and responsibility for the cause of building, managing and protecting the common border between the two countries, making an important contribution to building a peaceful, friendly, cooperative and sustainably developed Vietnam - China border.