The Ministry of Culture, Sports and Tourism of Vietnam on Sept. 2 handed over to Laos facilities of the first phase of the National Art School in Vientiane , which is built with the Vietnamese Government’s funding.

Prominent at the ceremony were Lao Deputy Prime Minister Somsavad Lengsavath, Minister of Culture and Tourism Bosengkham Vongdala, Vietnamese Minister of Culture, Sports and Tourism Hoang Tuan Anh and Ambassador Ta Minh Chau.

Speaking at the ceremony, Minister of Culture, Sports and Tourism Hoang Tuan Anh said that the transfer of the school on Sept. 2, the National Day of Vietnam contributes to boosting the Vietnam-Laos special ties.

He expressed his belief that the school will train many talented artists to serve the cause of developing the unique and rich culture of Laos and hoped that the Vietnam Music Academy and the Laos National Art School will continue to cooperate in teaching and learning.

Lao Minister of Culture and Tourism Bosengkham Vongdala affirmed that the school is a precious achievement of the special friendship and solidarity between the two countries.

The Lao minister thanked the Vietnamese Party and Government for the non-refundable aid to build the school, which has a total investment capital of over 77 billion VND.

The first phase started in November 2009 on the construction of the school’s main building, offices, and infrastructural facilities./.