An art item performed at the event (Photo: vov.vn)
Speaking at the opening ceremony, Dr. Sinlavong Khutphaythun, Politburo Member, Secretary of the Vientiane Party Committee and Mayor of Vientiane capital, affirmed that “Ho Chi Minh City Days in Vientiane" was being held at a time when the two countries were marking the 55th anniversary of Vietnam-Laos diplomatic relations and the 40th anniversary of the signing of the Vietnam-Laos Friendship Agreement, contributing to enhancing the special relations between the two countries in general, as well as between Ho Chi Minh City and Vientiane in particular.
Over the past time, Ho Chi Minh City has helped Vientiane to build two Vientiane-Ho Chi Minh City friendship schools; upgrading a Vientiane-Ho Chi Minh friendship school; building a financial information centre; helping train human resources; and many other cooperation projects.
Dr. Sinlavong Khutphaythun said that in the coming time, Vientiane and Ho Chi Minh City would continue to strengthen cooperation under the framework of the twinned city agreement and cooperation minutes of the two cities; increasing exchanges of visits among delegations at all levels; promoting cooperation in the fields of economy, trade, culture and tourism, mainly focusing on beef raising, building a trade and tourism centre between the two cities and cooperation in fields of finance and human resources training.
Mr. Tat Thanh Cang, Party Central Committee member, Standing Deputy Secretary of the Ho Chi Minh City Party Committee said that 2017 was very important for Vietnam and Laos, as the two countries mark the 55th anniversary of the Vietnam-Laos diplomatic relations and the 40th anniversary of the signing of the Vietnam-Laos Friendship Agreement. This is a bright spot, engraving the special solidarity and traditional friendship between the two countries.
Over the past 55 years, the traditional friendship, special solidarity and comprehensive cooperation between the two countries have been increasingly consolidated and developed in all fields.
He emphasized that as the economic hub of Vietnam, Ho Chi Minh City has always paid special attention to the twinning relations with Vientiane in particular and Laos's localities in general. The task is an honour and a pride of Ho Chi Minh City.
The Standing Deputy Secretary also affirmed that the event held on the occasion of the "Vietnam-Laos Solidarity and Friendship Year 2017" is a demonstration of Ho Chi Minh City's determination to further cooperate with Vientiane, helping to tighten the brotherhood between Ho Chi Minh City and Vientiane, contributing to boosting the traditional friendship, special solidarity and comprehensive cooperation between Vietnam and Laos./.