Vietnam and Laos will celebrate the 50th anniversary of their diplomatic ties in 2012, as well as the 35th anniversary of the signing of their bilateral Friendship and Cooperation Treaty.

On this occasion, diverse activities will be held to increase awareness of the countries’ peoples, cultures and tourism, contributing to consolidating their solidarity, friendship and cooperation.

Activities, including Vietnamese cultural days in Laos, Lao cultural days in Vietnam, Vietnamese art performance in Laos, and cultural exchanges in border provinces, will all be held this year. An album of Vietnamese and Lao songs will be released. The construction of a President Ho Chi Minh Memorial in Laos will be completed.

Ministries, agencies, committees and localities will also promote economic and commercial cooperation through seminars, forums, exhibitions and fairs.