Thirteen representatives of former volunteer Vietnamese army and expert forces that supported Laos during the war were honoured in Hanoi on Dec. 22.

The representatives received Issara Orders, the first Order of Laos, and Orders of Victory, presented by Lao Ambassador to Vietnam Xomphon Sychaleun.

The honours were in recognition of their contribution to the cause for national liberation, construction and development of Laos .

"Their feat of arms and contributions play an important part in strengthening the friendship, special solidarity and comprehensive cooperation between the Party, Government and people of the two countries," the Ambassador said.

"The presentation also expresses Laos' gratefulness to the valuable assistance given to Laos's by the Party, Government and people of Vietnam in general and the volunteer soldiers in particular over the past years," he said./.