HÀ NỘI – A ceremony was held in Hà Nội on July 18 to mark the 55th anniversary of diplomatic relations between Việt Nam and Laos and 40 years since the signing of the Việt Nam-Laos Treaty of Amity and Cooperation.

Party General Secretary Nguyễn Phú Trọng, President Trần Đại Quang, National Assembly Chairwoman Nguyễn Thị Kim Ngân, Deputy Prime Minister Trương Hoà Bình, Secretary of the Hà Nội Party Committee Hoàng Trung Hải, and President of the Việt Nam Fatherland Front Central Committee Trần Thanh mẫn and a number of former leaders joined together at the event.

The Lao delegation at the ceremony was led by Vice President Phankham Viphavanh.

Addressing the event, Party General Secretary Nguyễn Phú Trọng celebrated the relations between Việt Nam and Laos over the past 55 years, which began officially with the establishment of diplomatic ties on September 5, 1962.

"That date is a significant historical event in bilateral relations, affirming the vital attachment of the two nations in their struggle for national independence and unity," he said.

In order to deepen the bilateral partnership, Việt Nam and Laos signed the Treaty of Amity and Cooperation on July 18, 1977, which emphasised that nothing can change the special relations between Việt Nam and Laos as well as the solidarity and friendship between people of the two nations.

Over the past 40 years, the treaty has become an important political and legal foundation for the unceasing reinforcement and development of the bilateral relations, serving national construction and defence in each country.

Showing his delight at the growth of the special ties between the two nations, the Party chief underscored that the relationship developed sustainably from a traditional to a special friendship.

"The relationship also expresses the wish of the two peoples in supporting each other to fight common enemies and build a partnership of equality, self-reliance, friendship and win-win cooperation," he said.

Analysing the regional and international situation, Trọng affirmed that historical lessons of the relations between the two countries as well as the spirit and contents of the Treaty maintained their value and role as a direction for the development of the ties between the two Parties, States and people.

He also highlighted the need to continue completing mechanisms and  policies to effectively realise agreements and strategic targets set by both sides, thus further expanding the special solidarity and comprehensive cooperation between the two countries.

“By all means, we must maintain and protect the Việt Nam-Laos relations as if we were protecting the pupil of our eyes,” said the Party General Secretary.

On his part, Lao Vice President Phankham Viphavanh showed deep gratitude to the Party, State and people of Việt Nam, affirming that the Party, State and people of Laos were determined to preserve the friendship and special solidarity between the two nations, which had been nurtured with blood of soldiers and people of generations in both countries.

At the event, Huỳnh Đắc Hương, a 97-year-old veteran who represented the Vietnamese volunteer soldiers and experts in Laos, expressed his belief that the young generations in both countries would continue promoting the traditional ties.

Ceremony in HCM City

A solemn ceremony was held in HCM City yesterday (July 18) to mark the 40 years of the signing of the Treaty on Amity and Cooperation (July 18) and the establishment of 55 years of diplomatic relations (September 5) between Việt Nam and Laos.

The ceremony was attended by the city’s Party Committee Secretary Nguyễn Thiện Nhân, leaders of the city People’s Committee, and members of the People’s Council as well as city agency officials and residents. Representatives from the Laos’ Government and people also participated in the meeting.

Speaking at the ceremony, Nhân said the Party, State and people appreciated the Lao Party and the country’s people because of the comradeship between the two nations’ soldiers and the benefits shared between the two countries.

The city has established friendship and co-operative relations with Vientiane, the capital of Laos, and Laos provinces such as Champasak, Xieng Khouang, Hua Phan and Attapeu.

Santiphab Phomvihance, a politburo member of the Lao People’s Revolutionary Party Central Committee, thanked the city’s Party, Government and people for their warm sentiments and assistance.

He said that he believed the two nations would continue to support each other on national defence, building and development.

On this occasion, HCM City received the first class Labour Medal from the Lao Government for its contribution to strengthening the special relationship between the two countries.

A photo exhibition highlighting the countries’ traditional friendship, special solidarity and cooperation is on display in downtown HCM City from July 18-22. — VNS