AsemconnectVietnam -  The Vietnam tourism culture days began in Vientiane on July 17 as part of activities to celebrate the 55th founding anniversary of diplomatic ties between Vietnam and Laos (September 5, 1962) and 40 years of the Vietnam-Laos Treaty on Amity and Cooperation (July 18, 1977).

Vietnam’s Minister of Culture, Sports and Tourism Nguyen Ngoc Thien said the Vietnam tourism culture days in Laos and vice versa are held annually aiming to strengthen bilateral solidarity and cooperation.

Laos Minister of Culture, Information and Tourism Bosengkham Vongdala said the important event marked the Vietnam-Laos Year of Friendship and Solidarity, which manifests the solidarity between the two countries’ Parties, States and peoples.

Visitors can enjoy a photo exhibition featuring land, people, natural heritage sites and tangible and intangible cultural heritage recognised by UNESCO in Vietnam, as well as a music and dance performance on the relations between Vietnam and Laos and a tourism promotion workshop.

The same day, the fourth Vietnam-Laos people-to-people exchange festival opened in Vientiane, with Lao Deputy Prime Minister Sonexay Siphandone in attendance.

He highlighted the traditional friendship between the two countries which was founded by Presidents Ho Chi Minh, Kaysone Phomvihane and Suphanuvong.

Despite complex regional and global, the relations between Vietnam and Laos have thrived, he said, adding that the Vietnam-Laos Treaty on Amity and Cooperation is a historical document.

Chairman of the Vietnam-Laos Friendship Association Tran Van Tuy said the celebration of the anniversaries is significant to deepening bilateral rapports.

Source:VNA