(KPL) The ceremony to proclaim the recognition of the Annamite Range–Ho Chi Minh Trail (on the Lao side) as a national historical heritage site of the Lao PDR was held on August 22 at the Ministry of National Defence, Vientiane.

The event was attended by Vice President Pany Yathortou, Vietnamese Vice President Vo Thi Anh Xuan, and other senior Party and State leaders, representatives of relevant ministries and provinces of both Laos and Vietnam.

At the ceremony, Maj. Gen. Vongsone Inpanphim, Deputy Minister of National Defence and Chairman of the General Department of Politics of the Lao People’s Army, briefed participants on the results of the survey and documentation of the historic relics along the Annamite Range–Ho Chi Minh Trail.

Since late 2023, Lao and Vietnamese experts have jointly conducted surveys along the trail through Borikhamxay, Khammuan, Savannakhet, Saravan, Xekong, Champassak, and Attapeu.

The survey identified 18 locations along the trail as historic heritage sites that bear testimony to the shared struggle, solidarity, and friendship between Laos and Vietnam during their respective national liberation movements.

Maj. Gen. Vongsone highlighted that the Ho Chi Minh Trail through Laos was not only a vital transport and supply route of strategic military importance, but also served as a strategic stronghold and base that significantly contributed to Laos’ struggle, the national liberation movement of the Vietnamese people in the South, and the revolutionary struggle of the Cambodian people, ultimately leading to victory over foreign aggressors and the liberation of Southern Vietnam.

He further emphasized that the section of the Ho Chi Minh Trail running through Laos also served as a vital supply route for the front lines in Laos, Vietnam, and Cambodia. Today, it stands as a symbol of shared struggle and the enduring solidarity between the peoples of Laos and Vietnam.

KPL