One thousand Japanese cherry trees were planted in the northwestern province of Dien Bien on November 1 to commemorate late General Vo Nguyen Giap and contribute to the Vietnamese-Japanese friendship.

The activity was jointly carried out by Japan’s religious association Dotoku Kaikan and the Dien Bien provincial Department of Agriculture and Rural Development.

Aoki Takashi, Dotoku Kaikan Chairman, said 2014 marked the 60th anniversary of the victory of the Dien Bien Phu campaign, led by late General Vo Nguyen Giap, which ended French colonial rule in Vietnam.

The planting of the trees in Muong Phang commune, where the battle took place, also demonstrated people’s belief and prayers for peace, he added.

Cherry trees have been grown in Muong Phang since 2006, which is said to have favourable weather and soil conditions for this species.

Apart from Muong Phang commune, Dien Bien’s Department for Agriculture and Rural Development has also piloted planting cherry trees in other areas, such as near the Pang Hoc and Tay Trang border gates.-VNA