The Lao Embassy in Vietnam hosted a banquet on November 29 in celebration of the 42nd National Day of Laos (December 2, 1975) and the 55th founding anniversary of the two countries’ diplomatic ties (September 5, 1962).

Addressing the event, Lao Ambassador Thongsavanh Phomvihane acknowledged the support the Vietnamese Party, State and people have given to his country’s struggle for national liberation in the past and national development at present.

That support illustrates the pure relationship between Vietnam and Laos, which is a priceless asset which must be maintained and passed down to future generations, he noted.

On behalf of the Vietnamese Party, State and people, Deputy Prime Minister and Foreign Minister Pham Binh Minh offered congratulations on Laos’s National Day. He expressed his belief that the country will successfully implement the resolution of the 10th National Congress of the Lao People’s Revolutionary Party and the eighth five-year socio-economic development plan, building Laos into a prosperous nation.

Despite ordeals, hardships and sacrifices, “history has proven that the special solidarity between Vietnam and Laos is a wellspring that amplifies our strength and empowers us from one victory to the next,” he said.

The official stressed that the Vietnam-Laos Year of Friendship and Solidarity 2017, the 55th founding anniversary of their diplomatic ties and the 40th anniversary of the signing of the countries’ Treaty of Amity and Cooperation are a bright milestone in their friendship.

Deputy PM Minh also spoke highly of Vietnam-Laos cooperation in both bilateral and multilateral aspects in 2017, noting that he believes the two countries’ people will continue to intensify bilateral cooperation, thereby living up to Vietnamese and Lao people’s aspiration and interest and for peace, stability and prosperity.

VNA/VNP