Attending the ceremony was Lao State Vice President Bounnhang Volachith, Mayor of the Laos capital, Vientiane, Sombath Yialayheu, State Vice President Nguyen Thi Doan, the Secretary of Hanoi’s Party Committee, Pham Quang Nghi, and Chairman of the Municipal People’s Committee, Nguyen The Thao.

In his speech, Vice President Volachith said the Lao Party, State and people are very proud of the achievements the Vietnamese people and Hanoi have recorded over the past years. He expressed his delight at the special friendship between the two countries which is growing and flourishing.

Laos’ decision to award Hanoi the National Gold Order on its millennial birthday is an expression of Lao Party, State and people’s profound gratitude to the Vietnamese people and Hanoi for their contributions to the Lao revolutionary cause and for promoting comprehensive relations between the two countries.

Mr Thao said this highest distinction is a great source of encouragement for Hanoi and reflects the deep traditional friendship, special solidarity and comprehensive cooperation between Vietnam and Laos.

On the occasion, the Secretary of Hanoi’s Party Committee Pham Quang Nghi presented a gift called “ Thang Long Dragon” to the Lao delegation.