(VOVworld) – A friendship exchange was held yesterday in Indonesia to mark the 50^th anniversary of Vietnam-Laos diplomatic ties and 35 years  of the signing of the Friendship and Cooperation Treaty between the two countries. The event was jointly organized by the two countries’ embassies in Indonesia and representative delegations to ASEAN. Vietnamese Ambassador Nguyen Xuan Thuy said that to continue the countries’ traditions and follow the teaching of President Ho Chi Minh and President Kaysone Phomvihan, Vietnam and Laos are joining efforts in national construction for their people’s happiness, independence, democracy, and prosperity. Ambassador Thuy asserted that Vietnam-Laos relations are flourishing in all fields, contributing to their traditional friendship.  

In related news, the Hanoi Youth Union and Youth Association is launching a volunteer program in Xay Set Tha district, Vientiane, for Hanoi youth to join hands to build up Vietnam-Laos friendship. Participants will provide health consultations and examinations, distribute medicine to 1000 people, present gifts to disadvantaged families, design a website for the Vientiane Youth Union, and organize art and sport exchanges with local youth to celebrate Vietnam-Laos Friendship Year. Participants are scheduled to meet with the Vientiane Party Committee and the Laotian Youth Union Central Committee.