Hanoi (VNA) –A ceremony was held in Hanoi on July 18 to mark the 55th anniversary ofdiplomatic relations between Vietnam and Laos and 40 years of the signing ofthe Vietnam-Laos Treaty of Amity and Cooperation.

Present at the eventwas Party General Secretary Nguyen Phu Trong, President Tran Dai Quang,National Assembly Chairwoman Nguyen Thi Kim Ngan, Deputy Prime Minister TruongHoa Binh, Secretary of the Hanoi Party Committee Hoang Trung Hai, and Presidentof the Vietnam Fatherland Front Central Committee Tran Thanh Man, and a numberof former leaders.

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

Addressing the event,Party General Secretary Nguyen Phu Trong recalled the relations between Vietnamand Laos over the past 55 years as well as the context of setting up theirdiplomatic ties on September 5, 1962.

This is a significanthistorical event in bilateral relations, affirming the vital attachment of thetwo nations in their struggle for national independence and unity, he said.

In order to deepen thebilateral partnership, Vietnam and Laos signed the Treaty of Amity andCooperation on July 18, 1977, which emphasised that nothing can change the specialrelations between Vietnam and Laos as well as the solidarity and friendshipbetween people of the two nations.

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

Showing his delight atthe growth of the special ties between the two nations, the Party chiefunderscored that the relationship has been developed sustainably fromtraditional to special friendship.

The relationship alsoshows the wish of the two peoples in supporting each other to fight the commonenemy and build a partnership of equality, self-reliance and friendship andwin-win cooperation, he said.

Analysing the regionaland international situation, Trong affirmed that historical lessons of therelations between the two countries as well as the spirit and contents of theTreaty maintain their value and role as a direction for the development of theties between the two Parties, States and people.

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

“By all means, we mustmaintain and protect the Vietnam-Laos relations like protecting the pupil ofour eyes,” stated the Party chief.

On his part, Lao VicePresident Phankham Viphavanh showed deep gratitude to the Party, State andpeople of Vietnam, affirming the Party, State and people of Laos
are determined to preservethe friendship and special solidarity between the two nations, which have been nurturedwith blood of soldiers and people of generations in both countries.

At the event, HuynhDac Huong, a 97 years old veteran who represents the Vietnamese volunteersoldiers and experts in Laos, expressed his belief that the young generationsin both countries will continue promoting the tradition of bilateral ties.-VNA