Published:  00:00 Saturday - May 16, 2009

A cultural exchange programme between Laos and Vietnam was conducted in the capital Vientiane in Laos on May 15 as part of activities to celebrate the late President Ho Chi Minh’s 119th birthday (May 19).  

Addressing the function, Vietnamese ambassador Ta Minh Chau and Lao officials highlighted President Ho’s great contributions to the revolution in Vietnam and three Indochinese countries as well as to the struggle for national liberation across the world.

They noted that both President Ho Chi Minh of Vietnam and President Kaysone Phovihan of Laos were the first to lay a foundation for building the special friendship between the two countries. They added that this relationship has been maintained and constantly built up by generations of leaders and the people of the two countries and has become an exemplary role model in the world.

At the event, Vietnamese and Lao artists performed songs and dances in praise of President Ho, the victory at Dien Bien Phu valley against French colonialists 55 years ago, the victory of the historic Ho Chi Minh campaign culminating in total liberation of south Vietnam in 1975 and the special solidarity between Vietnam and Laos.