Lao traditional New Year festival observed in Hanoi

The Lao Embassy in Vietnam celebrated Laos ’s traditional Bunpimay New Year festival in Hanoi on April 8.

During the festival, Lao people splash water to pray for luck, peace, happiness, and prosperity.

Vice Chairwoman of the National Assembly Tong Thi Phong wished the Lao Party, State and people a New Year full of health, pleasure, and success.

She also congratulated Laos on the successful organisation of the 10^th National Congress of the Lao People’s Revolutionary Party (LPRP), the election of deputies to the 8^th National Assembly and the provincial People’s Councils, saying the events opened up a new era in the country’s development.

Participants celebrating Laos's traditional New Year Festival

The official described the traditional friendship and special solidarity nurtured by late Presidents Ho Chi Minh and Kaysone Phomvihane and by generations of leaders of the two nations’ Parties and States as valuable assets.

She confirmed that Vietnam will accompany Laos to preserve and promote such a relationship and bring their bilateral comprehensive cooperation to a new height.

This aim is to satisfy the aspirations and interests of the two countries’ peoples as well as contribute to the establishment of the ASEAN Community, where peace, stability and cooperation can development in the region and beyond, she said.

Lao Ambassador to Vietnam Thongsavanh Phomvihane highlighted 2016 as a significant year for Laos as it is the first year to implementing the Resolution adopted at the 10^th National Party Congress and the five-year socio-economic development plan.

This year also initiates the 8^th tenure of the Lao National Assembly and Laos’ Chair of ASEAN, he added.

The diplomat thanked the Vietnamese Party, State and people for their valuable assistance in the past and at present.

He wished the Vietnamese people every success in implementing the Resolution of the 12^th National Party Congress and the 2016-2020 socio-economic development plan.