President of the Vietnam-Laos Friendship Association Tran Van Tuy at the opening ceremony of the 4th Laos-Vietnam Friendship Festival, July 17, 2017. (Photo: My Binh/VOV5)

Addressing the event, President of the Vietnam-Laos Friendship Association Tran Van Tuy said: “The Vietnam-Laos Solidarity and Friendship Year 2017, the 55^th anniversary of Vietnam-Laos diplomatic relations, and the 40^th anniversary of the signing of the Treaty on Amity and Cooperation reflect the importance of bilateral ties, which have been an important factor in ensuring the two countries’ development in national defense. The festival was a joint effort to preserve and promote the Vietnam-Laos special relationship.”

Lao Deputy Prime Minister Sonsay Siphandone said he hoped the Friendship Associations of Vietnam and Laos will contribute to raise bilateral relations to a new height.