At the conference, Lao Deputy Prime Minister Somsavad Lengsavad spoke highly of contributions by the three countries’ writers to strengthening the close ties among their nations. He proposed that the writers create more quality works, and help the people of the three countries--especially young generations--understand more about the tradition of solidarity among their nations.

Taking the floor, poet Huu Thinh vowed Vietnamese writers will try their best, together with their Lao and Cambodian colleagues, to create new spiritual values, helping deepen the literature of the three countries.

Delegates reviewed the activities of their associations and put forward orientations for future development.

On this occasion, the third annual Mekong Literary Awards were presented to 10 writers from the three countries.

Vietnamese award winners included Ngoc Tu with memoir series Bao Rung (Forest Hurricane), Pham Quang Dau with a novel titled Mot Ngay La Muoi Nam (One Day is Ten Years) and Thang Sac with a novel entitled Chu Tu, Con La Ai (Uncle Tu, who am I).