The Lao Embassy held a celebration to mark their traditional New Year festival Bun Pi May in Hanoi on April 10 with the participation of Vietnamese senior officials.

At the ceremony, Vietnamese Vice President Nguyen Thi Doan wished the Lao People’s Revolutionary Party, State, and people happiness and success in the New Year and congratulated the country on their comprehensive accomplishments.

She said despite complicated changes in the region and globally in the past year, the Vietnam-Laos cooperation has reaped considerable achievements with strengthened political relations through a number of high-level exchanges such as the recently concluded visit to Laos by President Truong Tan Sang.

The two countries have also enhanced their relations in defence, security, diplomacy, economics, culture and education, contributing to their effective multifaceted cooperation, she added.

The official voiced her belief that Laos will continue to see socio-economic development successes this year.

At the celebration, Ambassador Somphone Sichaleune appreciated Vietnam’s continual assistance to Laos in its past liberation struggle and current development, contributing to the two nations’ special friendship, solidarity, and comprehensive collaboration.

On April 9, Vietnamese Deputy Minister of Foreign Affairs Le Hoai Trung visited the Lao Embassy to congratulate the staff on their traditional Bun Pi May festival.

This year, the Lao traditional New Year holiday will extend from April 14 to April 17.-VNA