Fifty-nine Vietnamese nationals who have made great contributions to Laos’ struggle for independence and its cause of development have received orders and medals from the country.

Laotian Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Foreign Affairs Thongloun Sisoulith handed the Freedom Order (Itsala), Labour Order and Medal as well as certificate of merit over to the Vietnamese nationals in a ceremony held in Vientiane on Feb. 9.

Vietnamese Ambassador to Laos Tạ Minh Châu attended the ceremony.

On behalf of the recipients, Tran Hanh thanked the Lao government and people for allowing them to contribute to the country’s revolutionary cause. He emphasised that this recognition will encourage not only the recipients but also all Vietnamese nationals in Laos to join hands with the Lao people to boost the special relationship between the two countries./.