The Vietnam Cultural Week got underway in the Lao capital of Vientiane as part of activities to mark the 45th anniversary of Vietnam-Laos diplomatic ties (September 5) and the 30th anniversary of the signing of the Friendship Cooperation Treaty between the two countries (July 18).

Present at the opening ceremony in Vientiane on July 17 were Choummaly Sayasone, General Secretary of the Lao People's Revolutionary Party and Lao State President. A high-ranking Vietnamese delegation led by Truong Tan Sang, Politburo member of the Communist Party of Vietnam Central Committee, attended the event.