The Upper Laos Campaign to liberate Sam Neua in Laos’ Houaphan province is a symbol of Vietnam-Laos combat alliance, it was affirmed at a seminar highlighting the campaign held at Vieng Xai relic site, Houaphan, on May 3.

Present at the event were Lao Prime Minister Thongsinh Thammavong, Deputy Defence Minister Lieutenant General Chansamone Channhalath, Houaphan’s Governor Khamhung Huongvongsi, and high-ranking military officers.

Vietnamese representatives included Director of the Military History Institute of Vietnam Major General Vu Quang Dao, Vietnamese Ambassador to Laos Nguyen Manh Hung, and many Vietnamese war veterans.
Delegates listened to more than 20 speeches and stories from historical witnesses highlighting the successful cooperation between the Government of Vietnam and the Lao Resistance Government.

Under the leadership of late President Ho Chi Minh, the two sides launched the Upper Laos Campaign in 1953 to wipe out part of the enemy’s forces, liberate occupied territory, assist the Lao Resistance Government build and expand its revolutionary bases, help Lao people’s resistance war and destroy the enemy’s strategic bases in the north of Indochina.
The campaign saw the participation and command of many talented generals from both sides, like General Vo Nguyen Giap and Prime Minister of the Lao Resistance Government Souphanouvong.
60 years on, the world has changed but the 1953 Upper Laos Victory remains a symbol of the Vietnam-Laos special relationship, helping contribute to each country’s construction and national defence cause.
The seminar was co-organised by the Lao Defence Ministry and Houaphan provincial authorities.-VNA