Published:  00:00 Thursday - June 10, 2010

The Lao Culture and Information Ministry and the Vietnam Cultural Centre in Laos jointly held a closing ceremony in Vientiane on June 10 to review a contest on composing songs about Vietnamese President Ho Chi Minh.

The ceremony was attended by the Lao Deputy Minister of Culture and Information, Boungan Sapuvong; the Secretary General of the Laos-Vietnam Friendship Association, Saikhong Saynhaxin; Vietnamese ambassador to Laos Ta Minh Chau; and other senior officials from both countries.

Speaking at the ceremony, Mr. Sayavad Singnamvong, Director General of the Department of Performing Art, said the contest has been embraced by professional and amateur song writers across the country.

Since the contest began two months ago, the organizing committee has received 51 high-quality songs by 37 individuals, 2 of whom are women.

Deputy Minister Boungan Sapuvong said the contest has been much more successful than expected. He said Lao song writers have movingly expressed their sentiments towards Ho Chi Minh.

Ambassador Chau thanked the Lao songwriters for their special feelings for President Ho. He said he believes the songs will become popular in both countries and will help promote the special friendship between Vietnam and Laos.