Leaders of the Defence Ministry and the General Department of Politics under the Vietnam People’s Army were presented with Laos’ Issara Orders (Independence Orders) at a ceremony in Hanoi on July 21.

The honours were handed over by Lao Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Defence, Senior Lieutenant-General Douangchay Phichit.

On behalf of the awardees, Senior Lieutenant-General Do Ba Ty, Chief of the General Staff of the Vietnam People’s Army and Deputy Defence Minister, thanked the good sentiments of the Lao Party, State, army and people for the Vietnamese People’s Army.

“We are very proud of and treasure your wholehearted support for Vietnam’s revolution and even more proud of having chance to contribute to your victory,” he said.

The special solidarity between the two nations will continue developing during the present cause of national construction and defence, he affirmed.

Source: VNA