Attending the meeting were Mr. Nguyen Xuan Phuc, Member of the Political Bureau, Deputy Prime Minister, Chairman of the Vietnam-Laos Co-operation Sub-Committee, Mr. Vu Trong Kim, Vice President and Secretary-General of the Central Committee of the Vietnam Fatherland Front, Chairman of VLFA, Mr. Vu Xuan Hong, President of the Vietnam Union of Friendship Organizations (VUFO), representatives of ministries, departments and branches at the central level and local authorities, VLFA members, Vietnamese experts and volunteer veterans in Laos as well as media representatives.
On Lao side, Vilayvong Boudakham, First Secretary of the Central Committee of the Lao People’s Revolutionary Youth Union, Vice Chairman of the Laos-Vietnam Friendship Association (LVFA) headed the delegation. Mr. Somphone Sichaleune, Ambassador Extraordinary and Plenipotentiary of the People's Democratic Republic of Laos to Vietnam also attended the ceremony.
Speaking at the gathering, Deputy Prime Minister Nguyen Xuan Phuc appreciated the achievements gained by VLFA during the past 40 years and affirmed that VLFA has strongly promoted the people-to-people exchanges between the two countries, contributing greatly to cultivating Vietnam - Laos special relationships.
The deputy prime minister also appreciated contributions of LVFA, which has been close to VLFA in building friendship between the two peoples.
He wished VLFA to continue to promote the people-to-people exchanges and cooperation, increase exchanges and introduce partners, businesses and trade associations of the two countries to boost economic and trade ties, creating favorable conditions for people-to-people exchanges and the development of human resources, supporting Lao students studying in Vietnam in future.
Deputy Prime Minister Nguyen Xuan Phuc believed that VLFA will promote the achievements, contributing more to consolidating and strengthening traditional relationships, special solidarity and comprehensive cooperation between Vietnam and Laos.
Dr. Vilayvong Boudakham emphasized the dedication and tireless efforts of VLFA leaders and members, who have made important contributions in promoting the people-to-people exchanges and economic cooperation between the two countries. The year of 2015 will be full of important days to the two countries and the friendship associations will co-organize people-to-people exchanges in a more practical manner.
On behalf of VLFA, Chairman Vu Trong Kim said that during the journey of 40 years, the association has made great achievements which were appreciated by the Communist Party, the State of Vietnam and appreciated and recognized by the Lao Government and the people. However, the association also noted that achievements were still modest compared to the potentials and expectations of the state leaders and people of Vietnam. In the coming years, the association needs to improve people-to-people diplomacy, contributing to strengthening and developing the Vietnam - Laos traditional friendship.
At the ceremony, in recognition of contribution of the Vietnam - Laos Friendship Associations at the central and provincial levels, on behalf of the Communist Party and the State, Deputy Prime Minister Nguyen Xuan Phuc handed the Labour Order to the Vietnam - Laos Friendship Association.
Duc Minh
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