Festival enhances exchange among Vietnam - Laos border areas

The event is part of four main activities organised to celebrate the 55th anniversary since the establishment of Vietnam-Laos diplomatic ties and 40 years since the signing of the Vietnam-Laos Treaty on Amity and Cooperation in Son La province.

Speaking at the opening ceremony, Vietnamese Minister of Culture, Sports and Tourism Nguyen Ngoc Thien and Chairman of Son La provincial People's Committee Cam Ngoc Minh emphasised that the solidarity between the two nationals was first established, preserved and nurtured by Vietnamese President Ho Chi Minh and Lao Presidents Kaysone Phomvihane and Souphanouvong, as well as the following generations of leaders and citizens of the two countries.

The special relation between the two countries has developed continuously and has become an invaluable common asset of Vietnam and Laos, proving to be a major factor in ensuring the victories of the two nations, they added.

An arts programme at the opening ceremony, themed 'Vietnam-Laos Friendship Song', featured the participation of artists from Son La province and Lao localities, left great impressions on the audience.

The festival features a wide variety of activities, including a programme promoting Vietnamese cultural and tourism products, an arts photo exhibition introducing the people and the potential of ten of the Vietnamese provinces sharing their border lines with Laos, as well as public arts programmes.

On the same day, on behalf of the Vietnamese Party and State, NA 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 recent years.

The Vietnamese legislative leader also offered incense at the Son La Prison Cemetery in remembrance of the war heroes and martyrs.

(Source: NDO)