Party General Secretary and President Bounnhang Volachith, National Assembly Chairman Pany Yathotou, and President of the Lao Front for National Construction Central Committee Saysomphone Phomvihane made the remarks at separate receptions for a delegation of Vietnamese voluntary soldiers and experts, who are making a visit to Laos from January 16-20.

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Lao Party General Secretary and President Bounnhang Volachith (R) receiving Major General Huynh Dac Huong

The Lao leaders underlined the significance of the visit from January 16-20, as it is the first made by a Vietnamese delegation to Laos in 2017, the year the two countries will host activities to mark the 55th founding anniversary of Vietnam – Laos diplomatic relations (September 5, 1962) and the 40th anniversary of signing the Treaty of Amity and Cooperation (July 18, 1977).

They stressed that Vietnam and Laos have always stood side by side to fight foreign invaders as well as assisted each other in their national building and development cause.

Vietnamese voluntary soldiers and experts are a noble symbol of the faithful and special relations between the two countries, the leaders said, adding that the Lao Party, State and people always remember their valuable assistance in the cause of national liberation and national defence and building thereafter.

Major-General Huynh Dac Huong, head of the National Liaison Committee and former Commissar of the High Command of Vietnamese voluntary soldiers and military experts in Laos, highlighted the long-standing friendly relations between the two countries.

He thanked the Lao Party, State and people for supporting Vietnam in the cause of national liberation and reunification, and affirmed the Vietnamese veterans will actively participate in people-to-people exchanges and educate young generations to nurture and develop the bilateral special relations.

Source: VNA