The northern mountainous province of Dien Bien and six northern provinces in Laos have celebrated the 50th anniversary of Vietnam-Laos diplomatic ties and 35 years since the signing of the Vietnam-Laos Friendship and Cooperation Treaty.

On addressing the ceremony in Dien Bien province on August 22, Mua A Son, Chairman of Dien Bien’s People’s Committee, highlighted the traditional friendship that exists between the two neighbouring countries, as well as the level of cooperation between Dien Bien and northern provinces in Laos in recent years.

Khamchen Vongphosi, provincial Governor and Secretary of the Phongsaly provincial Party Committee, spoke on behalf of the six Lao provinces of Phongsaly, Oudomxay, Luang Prabang, Bokeo, Luang Namtha and Sayabouly.

He said that Dien Bien has supported the six Lao provinces in socio-economic development, defence and security, adding that he hopes the Vietnamese province will continue to help develop the friendship of both peoples.

Dien Bien shares a 360km border with four districts in the provinces of Phongsay and Luang Prabang.

From 2005, Dien Bien and northern Lao provinces have regularly exchanged delegations.

With its provincial budget, Dien Bien has helped the Lao provinces to build welfare facilities worth 64 billion VND and improve rural infrastructure.

It has also assisted with agricultural and forestry development plans and has provided training for Lao students and officials as well as medical services for Lao people living along the common border.

On August 21, a week of films marking the 2012 Vietnam-Laos Friendship and Solidarity Year got underway in Dien Bien Phu City .

This is just one of the many cultural activities that are taking place during the celebrations of Vietnam-Lao ties.