The staffs of Vietnamese and Lao embassies in China gathered at a friendship exchange in Beijing on April 11 to celebrate Laos’ traditional New Year.

Addressing the function, Lao Ambassador to China Somdy Bounkhoum highlighted the event, which took place in the context that the two sides had just celebrated the 50th anniversary of Vietnam-Laos diplomatic ties and 35 years of the signing of the two countries’ Friendship and Cooperation Treaty.

He appreciated the timely and invaluable support Vietnam has given to Laos during its national liberation in the past as well as in the current national construction and development.

In 2012, Vietnam was the second largest investor in Laos, he noted.

Vietnamese ambassador to China Nguyen Van Tho affirmed that the traditional Vietnam-Laos friendship, initiated by late President Ho Chi Minh and President Kaysone Phomvihane, will exist forever.

A wide range of cultural and artistic activities were held during the exchange, thus tightening the relationship between the two peoples.-VNA