Laos has awarded its noble orders to a number of senior Vietnamese leaders and former leaders for their outstanding contributions to fostering the special relationship between the two countries.

General Secretary of the Lao People’s Revolutionary Party (LPRP) and President of Laos Choummaly Sayasone presented the rewards to the Vietnamese leaders at a ceremony in Hanoi on December 26.

President Truong Tan Sang and National Assembly Chairman Nguyen Sinh Hung were conferred with Laos ’ National Golden Order.

The first-class Freedom (Issara) Order was awarded to several Politburo members of the Communist Party of Vietnam, including Deputy Prime Minister Nguyen Xuan Phuc, National Assembly Vice Chairwoman Tong Thi Phong, head of the Communist Party of Vietnam Central Committee (CPVCC)’s Inspection Commission Ngo Van Du and head of the CPVCC’s Commission for Popularisation and Education Dinh The Huynh.

CPVCC secretaries namely NA Vice Chairwoman Nguyen Thi Kim Ngan, head of the CPVCC’s Commission for Mass Mobilisation Ha Thi Khiet, Chief Judge of the Supreme People’s Court Truong Hoa Binh and head of the Politics General Department of the Vietnam People’s Army Ngo Xuan Lich also received the first-class Issara Order, together with many former Politburo member and CPVCC secretaries.

Speaking at the ceremony, President Sayasone stressed that these are the noble rewards of the Lao Party and State to honour the Vietnamese leaders and former leaders’ excellent contributions to fostering the special solidarity and comprehensive cooperation between the two countries over the past time.

He affirmed that under any circumstance, the Lao Party, State and people will always preserve and promote the special relationship between the two countries.

President Sang expressed his pride to receive Laos’ noble award, affirming that the Vietnam-Laos special relationship is an invaluable asset of both nations. He expressed his belief that the traditional friendship, special solidarity and comprehensive cooperation between Vietnam and Laos will further develop in the future.

Earlier, the visiting Lao president received representatives from the Vietnam Fatherland Front Central Committee, the Vietnam-Laos Friendship Association and the Liaison Committee of former Vietnamese voluntary soldiers and military specialists in Laos./.VNA