National Assembly Chairwoman Nguyen Thi Kim Ngan speaks at the ceremony. (Photo: kinhtedothi.vn)

In her address, Chairwoman Ngan congratulated Laos on its enormous and comprehensive achievements over the last 45 years, which have helped it weather every difficulty and challenge, develop sustainably, improve living standards, and promote its stature in the world.

She said, “Vietnam is always proud of having Laos as a loyal friend sharing the same vision. This special bond has been built up in generations and tested through hardship to become a great friendship and inseparable chemistry. Vietnam is well aware that Vietnam’s revolutionary and national liberation success is closely linked to the heartfelt support from Laotian friends. This is a valuable asset worth being respected, protected and promoted.” 

Chairwoman Ngan attributed the Lao Party and people’s accomplishments largely to the major contribution of President Kaysone Phomvihane. She emphasized that the two countries have made unending efforts to strengthen cooperation in all respects, reiterating Vietnam’s highest priority to the great friendship, special solidarity, and comprehensive cooperation between Vietnam and Laos.

Laos Ambassador to Vietnam Sengphet Houngboungnuang speaks at the ceremony.  (Photo: kinhtedothi.vn)

Lao Ambassador Sengphet Houngboungnuang acknowledged the Vietnamese Party, State, and people’s wholehearted assistance to his country during the struggle for national liberation in the past as well as national construction and defense at present.

He said, “We express our deep gratitude to the Party, State and people of Vietnam for their absolute support during the national liberation and construction. We pledge to foster the special relations sustainably forever.”

A welcome performance at the celebration (Photo: kinhtedothi.vn)

Meanwhile, 100 photos are being showcased at an exhibition titled “Vietnam-Laos Special Friendship" at the Ho Chi Minh Museum, Hanoi. 

The exhibition highlights the special relationship between the two peoples during the past struggle for national liberation as well as today’s national construction and reform. It illustrates how the two Parties, States and peoples have constantly nurtured the relationship between Vietnam and Laos. The exhibition also features the life and revolutionary career of President Kaysone Phomvihane.

The photo exhibition from Tuesday to Saturday is divided in three parts: Friendly neighborliness and special solidarity between Vietnam and Laos; President Kaysone Phomvihane - a close friend of the Vietnamese people; and Land of millions of beautiful elephants – Laos, a country of reform.