The 55th anniversary of diplomatic ties (September 5, 1962 – September 5, 2017 and the 40th anniversary of the signing of the bilateral Treaty on Amity and Cooperation between Vietnam and Laos (July 18, 1977-July 18, 2017) was held solemnly at the Friendship Palace in Hanoi. In the photo: Party General Secretary Nguyen Phu Trong delivers a speech at the ceremony. Photo: Tri Dung/VNA

In a friendly atmosphere at the festival, Nguyen Thi Kim Ngan, Politburo Member, National Assembly Chairwoman, Pany Yathotu, Poliburo member and Lao National Assembly Chairman and leaders of ministries and sectors of the two countries held hands to do a Xoe dance, showing the sentiments of the two peoples and the special relationship between the two countries.

The festival provided an opportunity for the people to recall the revolutionary tradition, special friendship and comprehensive cooperation between the two Parties, two States and peoples of Vietnam and Laos. It was a chance to introduce and promote the potential and strengths in terms of culture, sports, tourism and cultural heritage of ethnic groups in the border area of Vietnam and Laos in the process of integration and development.
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On July 5 in Son La Province, National Assembly Chairwoman Nguyen Thi Kim Ngan presented 11 Independence Orders (second class), 74 Independence Orders (third class) and three Labour Orders (first class) to the leaders of 15 Lao provinces for their outstanding achievements in enhancing the traditional friendship and comprehensive cooperation between the two countries over the years. Photo: Viet Cuong On July 5 in Son La province’s Conference Centre, Lao politburo member and National Assembly Chairman Pany Yathotou met with Lao students who are studying in Son La. It was a part of activities in Vietnam to celebrate the 55th anniversary of diplomatic ties between Vietnam and Laos. Photo: Viet Cuong

On the occasion of  the 55th anniversary of diplomatic ties (September 5, 1962 – September 5, 2017 and the 40th anniversary of the signing of the bilateral Treaty on Amity and Cooperation between Vietnam and Laos (July 18, 1977-July 18, 2017), the opening ceremony of “Lao Cultural and Tourist Days” in Vietnam was held at the Hanoi Opera House. Politburo member, Deputy Prime Minister/Foreign Minister of Vietnam Pham Binh Minh; member of Politburo, Standing Member of the Party CC Secretariat, Vice President of Laos Phankham Viphavanh and leaders of ministries and sectors of the two countries attended the ceremony. In the photo: Delegates and artist pose for a photo: Photo: Van Diep/VNA

The highlight of the opening ceremony was an art show entitled "Vietnam - Laos Special Friendship Solidarity" with three parts. Part I, called "Honesty and loyalty", praised the friendship between Vietnam and Laos in the entire process of the history of struggle for national liberation as well as in the cause of national renewal and integration.

Part II themed "The Intimate Friendship of the Laos-Vietnam Border", introduced the land and people, the heritage and the cultural, sports and tourism potential of 12 ethnic groups living in Son La province and the border area of the two countries.

Part II,  "Vietnam, Laos towards the Future", expressed the confidence in the Laos-Vietnam friendship that is always stable and the two countries always stand side by side in the cause of  national construction and protection.

It also affirmed the traditional friendship and comprehensive cooperation between the two countries and the consistent viewpoints, guidelines and policies of the two countries’ Party, State and people in maintaining, fostering and strengthening the bilateral special relationship.

The special relations and friendship between the two countries are depicted in the programme at the opening ceremony. Photo: Viet Cuong A scene in the programme reflects the image of the two countries’ people and army standing side by side in the struggle against the common enemy for national independence. Photo: Viet Cuong The programme entitled “Songs of Vietnam-Lao Friendship” at the opening ceremony of the second culture, sports and tourism festival at the Vietnam-Laos border area. Photo: Viet Cuong The special relations and friendship between the two countrie are depicted in the programme at the opening ceremony. Photo: Viet Cuong Singers from the two countries perform in a programme to celebrate the 55th anniversary of diplomatic ties between Vietnam and Laos. Photo: Viet Cuong Unique cultural features of Laos are introduced at the opening ceremony of the second culture, sports and tourism festival at the Vietnam-Laos border area. Photo: Viet Cuong Items in the programme at the second culture, sports and tourism festival at the Vietnam-Laos border area introduce the potential and strength of each country in cultural and tourism development. Photo: Viet Cuong Vietnamese and Lao participants at the Vietnam-Lao Tourism Trade Fair 2017 which consists of more than 130 stalls from 100 enterprises of both countries to promote the development  of cultural heritages, sports and tourism of ethnic groups at the two countries’ border area in the cause of integration and development. Photo: Viet Cuong Young Vietnamese and Lao  at the photo exhibition entitled “Achievements on Cooperation and Development between Vietnam and Laos” held at Son La province’s Cultural Centre at the second culture, sports and tourism festival at the Vietnam-Laos border area. Photo: Viet Cuong A stall at the Vietnam-Lao Tourism Trade Fair 2017 introducing traditional cultural features of ethnic people at the two countries’ border area. Photo: Viet Cuong Many activities held during the second culture, sports and tourism festival at the Vietnam-Laos border area. Photo: Photo: Viet Cuong

Story: VNP - Photos: Viet Cuong - Van Diep - Tri Dung