Vientiane (VNA) – Nearly 200 Lao–Vietnamese bilingual titles are on display at the sixth International Book and Culture Festival in Vientiane, reflecting the close and enduring ties between Vietnam and Laos.
The books feature works on the lives and legacies of President Ho Chi Minh and President Kaysone Phomvihane, alongside publications on politics, socio-economic development, education, science and technology, culture, fine arts, and Vietnamese-language instruction.
Held under the theme “Books connect cultures,” the festival aims to encourage reading among students and the broader public while serving as a platform for cultural exchange and community engagement.
The event draws participation from a wide range of organisations, including the Vietnamese Embassy in Laos and the Vietnam Education Publishing House, as well as educational institutions from countries operating in Laos such as China, the UK, France, Canada and Australia. Lao publishing houses, local educational institutions and other organisations in the education sector are also taking part.
Vietnam’s presence at the festival is intended not only to promote knowledge-sharing but also to strengthen the great friendship and special solidarity between Vietnam and Laos.
On this occasion, Vietnamese Ambassador to Laos Nguyen Minh Tam, together with the Director of the Lao National Publishing and Book Distribution House, presented commemorative books on President Ho Chi Minh, President Kaysone Phomvihane and President Souphanouvong to distinguished guests. The activity highlighted the close cooperation between the publishing industries of the two countries and represented a practical step toward reinforcing the "strategic cohesion" of the Vietnam–Laos special relationship in the new era.
The sixth International Book and Culture Festival runs until March 15, featuring 75 booths from 59 participating organisations. The event is expected to attract more than 20,000 visitors, contributing to the promotion of reading culture and lifelong learning in Laos./.
