The Laos Cultural Week in Việt Nam takes place from October 1-7. — Photo baovanhoa.vn

HÀ NỘI — A dazzling opening at the Hà Nội Opera House has set the stage for Laos Cultural Week in Việt Nam, with performances in the capital and Thanh Hoá running until October 7, the Ministry of Culture, Sports and Tourism (MCST) said.

The week forms part of the 2021-2025 Cultural, Arts and Tourism Cooperation Plan between Việt Nam’s MCST and the Lao Ministry of Culture and Tourism.

A delegation led by Lao Deputy Minister of Culture and Tourism Darany Phommavongsa is presiding over activities throughout the event.

Tomorrow, audiences in Thanh Hoá will enjoy a performance at Lam Son Theatre by the Lao artistic troupe.

According to MCST’s International Cooperation Department, the event honours the enduring friendship and cultural exchange between Việt Nam and Laos. It also serves as a bridge to foster mutual understanding between the two peoples, while promoting the traditional arts and cultural heritage of Laos.

This year’s celebrations are especially meaningful as Hà Nội marks the 1015th anniversary of Thăng Long–Hà Nội, while Thanh Hoá continues to affirm its role as one of Việt Nam’s leading cultural and tourism hubs.

The event will introduce Lao culture to Vietnamese audience. — Photo baovanhoa.vn

Việt Nam and Laos are two close neighbouring countries with a long-standing traditional and loyal relationship. The special relationship was established by President Hồ Chí Minh, President Kaysone Phomvihane and President Souphanouvong, and has been nurtured by generations of leaders and the peoples of both countries.

Cultural activities and people-to-people exchanges will contribute to promoting and widely educating about the special relationship between Việt Nam and Laos. This will help the people of both countries gain a deeper understanding of the loyal and transparent relationship between the two parties and the two nations.

In recent years, Việt Nam and Laos have collaborated on various cultural activities including Việt Nam Culture Week in Laos, Laos Culture Week in Việt Nam, the Cultural, Sports and Tourism Exchange Festival in the Việt Nam-Laos border region and the Việt Nam-Laos Sculpture Creation Camp.

One of the highlight events is the artistic programmes commemorating the 135th birthday of President Hồ Chí Minh in both Laos and Thailand in May and early September.

Regarding tourism cooperation, Việt Nam has consistently ranked second among countries sending tourists to Laos, while Laos is among the top 15 markets for Vietnamese tourism. Regular promotional activities have been implemented to enhance the destination's image and strengthen the connection between businesses in both countries.

The two countries are also implementing a project to build the Laos-Việt Nam Friendship Park in Vientiane, Laos. This project is a significant landmark with profound political, cultural and historical importance, symbolising the great friendship, special solidarity and comprehensive cooperation between Việt Nam and Laos. The MCST is actively directing the investors and relevant agencies to expedite the construction of all project components, ensuring that the facility is completed and handed over to the Lao side before December.

In terms of heritage cooperation, Laos has recognised the 'Hồ Chí Minh Trail in Laos' as a national historical site during a solemn ceremony attended by Vice President Võ Thị Ánh Xuân and Lao Vice President Pany Yathotou in August.

The trail was once the vital 'lifeline' connecting the northern rear with the southern battlefield of Việt Nam, playing a crucial role in the complete liberation of the south and the reunification of the country. It served as a crucial foundation, providing significant support to the Lao Revolution, ultimately leading to its victory and the establishment of the Lao People's Democratic Republic on December 2, 1975. — VNS