(KPL) On September 9, a ceremony was held in Vientiane to celebrate the 65th anniversary of the establishment of diplomatic relations between the Lao PDR and the Russian Federation.

The ceremony was honored by the presence of Mr. Thongsavanh Phomvihane, Minister of Foreign Affairs, representing the Government of the Lao PDR, and Mr. Vladimir Kalinin, Ambassador of Russian to the Lao PDR, representing the Government of the Russian Federation.

Also in attendance were ministers, deputy ministers, high-ranking Lao officials, the diplomatic corps in the Lao PDR, and invited guests from various sectors.

During this significant ceremony, Minister Thongsavanh Phomvihane and Ambassador Vladimir Kalinin delivered speeches, expressing congratulations and highly valuing the success of the cooperation over the past six decades between the two governments and the peoples of Laos and Russia.

Since the establishment of diplomatic relations on October 7, 1960, the cooperation between the two countries has been constantly strengthened and expanded. This is evident in the regular exchange of high-level delegations at various levels within the Party, government, and private sectors.

The bilateral cooperation covers nearly all sectors, including politics, national defense and security, energy, education, public health, culture, tourism, and others.

The two countries share a deep mutual understanding and trust, and they support each other on regional and international forums, based on their foundation as strategic partners in the Asia-Pacific region.

Currently, the cooperative relationship between the two countries continues to grow and deepen.

Both sides expressed their commitment to further promoting and strengthening the excellent cooperation in the years ahead, specifically by focusing on increasing cooperation in trade and investment to be on par with their political and security ties.

This effort is intended to bring tangible benefits to the peoples of both nations and contribute to maintaining peace and cooperation for development in the region and the world.

On this occasion, Minister Thongsavanh Phomvihane, on behalf of the Government and people of the Lao PDR, expressed gratitude and appreciation to the Government and people of the Russian Federation for their continuous support and assistance to the Lao revolution in the past, as well as during the current period of national defense, construction, and development.

The celebration of the 65th anniversary of Laos-Russia diplomatic relations this year was filled with a warm atmosphere of friendship and included important joint activities such as: the exchange of congratulatory messages between the high-level leaders of the two countries.

Furthermore, there was an exchange of articles between the two Foreign Ministers and a special screening of the Russian film "The Love of the Soviet Union" in Vientiane. These activities serve to reinforce solidarity and reflect the long-standing friendly relationship and good cooperation between the Lao PDR and the Russian Federation, which is continually being enhanced to yield greater concrete results in the future.

KPL