Top Vietnamese leaders attended the Boun Pi Mai Lao or Lao New Year in Hanoi on April 11 as part of efforts to deliver new-year wishes to the Lao people and tighten the relationship between Vietnam and Laos.
The leaders were Politburo member Truong Thi Mai, Permanent Member of the Secretariat of the Central Committee of the Communist Party of Vietnam (CPV), Vice Chairman of the National Assembly Tran Thanh Man, Deputy Minister of Foreign Affairs Nguyen Minh Vu, former Vietnamese veterans and military experts in Laos, representatives of Lao students in Vietnam, among others.
| Participants in the celebration of Boun Pi Mai Lao or Lao New Year 2023 held in Hanoi. Photo: Quan doi nhan dan |
The event was hosted by the Embassy of Laos in Vietnam.
At the ceremony, Politburo member and Deputy Chairman of the National Assembly Tran Thanh Man extended New Year's greetings to the Party, State, and people of Laos on behalf of the leaders of the Party, State, and people of Vietnam.
He stressed that generations of leaders and citizens of the two nations have successfully maintained the close relationship between Vietnam and Laos, which was cultivated by Presidents Ho Chi Minh and Kaysone Phomvihane. It has become an exceptional, dedicated, pure, and extraordinary bond in the history of international relations and a priceless treasure shared by the two countries.
He stated that "the Vietnamese Party, State, and people are very happy and warmly congratulate Laos on its great, comprehensive and historic achievements, considering them as a success and the common joy of the two countries."
Despite the difficult circumstances in the world and the region, the special relationship and cooperation between Vietnam and Laos have grown steadily in recent years, benefiting the two peoples in a variety of tangible ways, he said, affirming that the Party and State of Vietnam have always attached the highest priority to constantly strengthening and cultivating the great friendship, special solidarity and comprehensive cooperation between the two countries.
As proof of this special friendship, President Vo Van Thuong chose Laos as the country for his first official visit on April 10-11.
| The colorful Boun Pi Mai Lao. Photo: New Way Travel |
Sengphet HoungBoungnuang, Lao ambassador to Vietnam, said this year's Boun Pi Mai Lao falls between April 14 and 16. The celebration has been organized again in Vietnam after a three-year hiatus due to the Covid-19 pandemic.
He said that Vietnam-Laos relations have been constantly promoted towards effectiveness and practical results. He believed that Vietnam will continue to make new and greater achievements in the cause of preserving, protecting, and developing the country and achieving strategic goals in the coming years.
The Boun Pi Mai Lao is the traditional new year holiday of Laos people that is held annually in mid-April. Splashing water is thought to invoke good fortune, wash away evil things and sicknesses, and usher in a new year of cleanliness, health, and long life. There is also the custom of tying string 'bracelets' on the wrists of others for good luck. The Boun Pi Mai ceremony conveys Lao aspirations for harmony and joy.
