This year also marks the 35^th anniversary of the signing of the Laos-Vietnam Friendship and Cooperation Treaty (July 18) and the 50^th anniversary of the diplomatic ties between the two countries (September 5), the article said.

There will be a wide range of activities to celebrate the two major events, such as seminars, cultural, artistic and sports exchanges and exhibitions, the article said, adding that Laos has set up a national committee to oversee the implementation of the activities.

The article stressed the need for Party organisations at all levels to establish steering committees to monitor the celebrations and raise awareness of Party members, officials and the people about the traditional relations between the two countries.

It also called on ministries, branches and localities to have responsibility and take initiative in celebrating Laos-Vietnam Solidarity and Friendship Year.

Lao and Vietnamese people continue upholding the solidarity and cooperation as aspirations of the late President Ho Chi Minh and his Lao counterpart Kaysone Phomvihane, the editorial concludes.