The Lao public security force held a meeting on April 5 to mark its 50th founding anniversary, in the presence of Party General Secretary andState President Choummaly Sayasone and Prime Minister ThongsinhThammavong.

The Vietnamese Minister of Public Security, General Le Hong Anh, was also present at the event.

Addressingthe celebration, Minister of Public Security Thongbanh Sengaphoneaffirmed that the public security force has wholeheartedly served thecountry’s revolution and the people throughout the past 50 years.

Henoted that the force has worked closely with the army, localauthorities and people to firmly defend the national border andsovereignty.

It has ensured absolute safety for Party and Stateleaders as well as foreign leaders during their visits to Laos , andinternational meetings and major festivals in the country, the ministersaid.

He took this opportunity to thank the Vietnamese Party andGovernment for helping the public security force in particular andLaos in general.

On the occasion, President Choummaly Sayasone awarded the National Gold Order to the Lao Ministry of Public Security.

GeneralLe Hong Anh, on behalf of State President Nguyen Minh Triet, presentedthe Gold Star Order, the highest distinction of the Vietnamese State, tothe Lao Ministry of Public Security in recognition of its contributionsto enhancing the Vietnam-Laos special friendship./.