(VNF) – Addressing the the opening ceremony of the 4th Vietnam-Laos People’s Friendship Festival on Monday, Deputy Prime Minister (PM) of Laos Sonexay Siphandone expressed his perspective on people-to-people affairs in general, and the relations between the Laos-Vietnam and the Vietnam-Laos Friendship Associations in particular. Below is part of his speech at the event transcribed by the Vietnam Times.

Vietnamese and Laos soldiers bid farewell before Vietnamese volunteer soldiers going back home in 1961 (source: dantri)

The Laos People's Democratic Republic and the Socialist Republic of Vietnam are close neighbors, with mountains and rivers linking to each other, sharing the borderline which stretches from the North to the South. The people of the two countries, for many years, have unwaveringly lended vast supports for each other, it is a beautiful tradition shared by two nations.

From the Resistance Fight against the French colonists and later the American Imperialist to gain back independence and freedom, to the rennovation path since 1975, two countries kept standing by each other's side through decades.

The Party, the States and People of Laos tribes are delighted to witness the continuous growth of bilateral relations and friendship between two nations over time.

The distinguished solidarity and comprehensive cooperation between Laos and Vietnam were jointly nurtured by President Ho Chi Minh and President Kaysone Phomvihane in the past, and have been greatly preserved and developed by later generations of leaders today.

Despite the world’s complicated situation, the faithful friendship between two countries keeps flourishing and bear fruits in every fields; tremendously contributing to the cause of national defense and development of two countries as well as play a part in the peace, stability, cooperation and development regionwide and worldwide.

Deputy PM Siphandone (R) talking to former military officer, expert of Vietnam (source: VNF)

People-to-people affairs and the operation of the Laos-Viet Friendship Association is significant to the maintenance and cultivation of the Laos-Viet friendship. The Party and the Government of the Laos People's Demoratic Republic highly appreciate the attention of leaders in all levels, from the central to local authorities in nourishing the distinguished friendship and solidarity and bilateral comprehensive collaborations, especially in educating the young generations on preserving the traditions and remembering heroic victories of the past generations.

During the past years, the Laos-Vietnam and Vietnam-Laos friendship associations have gained various remarkable achievements.

At the moment, the hard-to-forecast complicated situations of the world and the regions, along with hostile forces' conspiracy are threatening of to hinder national safeguarding and development. The two associations therefore should focus on these following issues:

First of all, continuing fulfilling the missions and responsibilities of the association, which is lifting up cooperation between Viet – Lao people, ministries, sectors, businesses of the two states to a new height.

Secondly, ensuring tight and in-sync connection in terms of stance on international issues, keeping lending supports and assistance for each other in international fora.

Thirdly, conveying in-depth knowledge to the young generations of two countries, particulary emphasizing on the huge sacrification of revolutionary leaders in the past, as well as the long-standing faithful relationships two countries share.

The Vietnam-Laos friendship will be cherished and nourished by the young generation (source:dantri)

We appreciate the efforts of the two associations in organizing the 4th Lao-Viet People Friendship Festival, as it helps the youth realize their responsibilities in protecting the precious heritage of Vietnam and Laos, which are friendship, solidarity and comprehensive cooperation; while repel the distorted propaganda spreaded by the hostile, reactionary forces, who aims to ruin the relationships between two countries.

Last but not least, the two associations should create favorale conditions for Laos and Vietnam people living in border areas to strengthen fraternity, reinforce the exchange of information and from that, coming up with solutions to deal with issues occuring in the areas, in accordance with agreements signed by two countries./.

( Translated by Phi Yen )