Leaders of Russia and Laos have sent greetings to Vietnamese leaders on the 60th anniversary of the victory of Dien Bien Phu (May 7).

In his message to President Truong Tan Sang on May 7, Russian President Vladimir Putin described the victory as putting an end to a bloody war and liberating Vietnam from colonial rule.

President Putin stated that during those years, the two countries forged a glorious tradition of the bilateral friendship, mutual assistance and fraternity which to this day continues to serve as a foundation for the development of the bilateral comprehensive strategic partnership.

On May 5, the Lao People’s Revolutionary Party, National Assembly, Government and Front for National Construction all extended greetings to Vietnam’s Communist Party, National Assembly, Government and Fatherland Front.

The message highlighted the triumph at Dien Bien Phu as a milestone in the history of the Vietnamese military and people under the leadership of the Party headed by President Ho Chi Minh.

The victory was a globally significant event and a turning point in Vietnam’s revolution, leading to the signing of the 1954 Geneva Accord which restored peace in Indochina and officially recognised the independence, sovereignty, unity and territorial integrity of Vietnam, Laos and Cambodia, the message read.

It also encouraged peace-loving people around the world, and inspired oppressed nations in their struggles for independence and freedom, they added.

The messages continued by saying that over the past 60 years, Vietnam has unceasingly developed, improving the lives of its people and enhancing its role and position in the regional and international arenas.

“On behalf of the Party, State and people of Laos, we express our deep gratitude and sincere thanks to the Party, State and people of our fraternal neighbour Vietnam for their sacrifices in the struggle for the liberation of our three nations in the Indochina peninsula”.-VNA