Lao Party leader and President Bounnhang Vorachith presents a gift to representatives of Vietnamese volunteer soldiers and specialists in Laos, October 29, 2019.

Vietnamese Defense Minister Ngo Xuan Lich said the legendary Truong Son-Ho Chi Minh Trail has become a symbol of the special solidarity and  alliance between Vietnam and Laos during the fight against the US.

“The volunteer soldiers and specialists stood side by side with the Lao people and armed forces in the battle against the French and the US, contributing to the final victory of the revolutionaries in Vietnam, Laos and Cambodia. A large number of these volunteers sacrificed themselves in Laos,” said Mr. Lich.

Minister Lich called on Vietnam and Laos to continue working closely together to build and protect a borderline of peace, friendship, stability and prosperity. He suggested jointly searching out and collecting the remains of Vietnamese volunteer soldiers and specialists who laid down their lives in Laos.

Lao Defense Minister Chansamon Chanyalat said that his country will continue upholding its special relationship with Vietnam.

On the occasion, National Assembly Chairwoman Nguyen Thi Kim Ngan presented the title of “Hero of the People’s Armed Forces” to Vietnamese volunteer soldiers and specialists in Laos.