(VOVworld) – The northern province of Son La yesterday hosted a ceremony to present orders to individuals and organizations who have contributed significantly to boosting ties between Son La and 8 northern Laotian provinces. The event marks the 50th anniversary of Vietnam-Laos diplomatic ties and 35 years since the signing of the two countries’ Friendship and Cooperation Treaty. Khamhoung Heuangvongsy, Governor of Laos’ Huaphan province, gave medals of friendship to 37 individuals, while 65 other individuals and 32 organizations received orders of freedom or orders of friendship from the President of the Lao People's Democratic Republic. The President of the Socialist Republic of Vietnam presented orders of independence to 8 northern Laotian provinces including Huaphan, Luong Prabang, and Udomxay