In a friendly atmosphere, Ambassador Khamphao Ernthavanh conveyed the congratulations of the leaders of the Lao Ministry of Culture and Tourism to Comrade Nguyen Van Hung, Member of the Central Committee of the Party, Minister of Culture, Sports and Tourism of Vietnam, as well as the leadership and entire staff of the Vietnamese Ministry of Culture, Sports and Tourism.
Ambassador Khamphao Ernthavanh also expressed joy at the great and comprehensive achievements that the Party, State, and people of Vietnam have made over the past 80 years, including the significant contributions of the Vietnamese Culture, Sports, and Tourism.
Reviewing the outstanding achievements in cultural, sports, and tourism cooperation, Ambassador Khamphao Ernthavanh expressed deep gratitude for Vietnam's significant support in successfully nominating Hin Nam No National Park (Laos) as a World Natural Heritage site. Along with Phong Nha-Ke Bang National Park in Vietnam, Hin Nam No National Park is the first cross-border world natural heritage of the two countries, a historic milestone demonstrating close and meaningful cooperation.
The official recognition of Hin Nam No National Park by UNESCO as a World Natural Heritage site not only brings conservation value but also opens up golden opportunities for the tourism industry. Therefore, Ambassador Khamphao Ernthavanh hopes that the two sides will soon coordinate to organise these heritage promotion events, attracting international tourists and creating momentum for the overall tourism of both countries.
On behalf of Minister Nguyen Van Hung, the leadership team of the Ministry of Culture, Sports and Tourism of Vietnam, and all officials and employees, Deputy Minister Trinh Thi Thuy expressed deep gratitude to Ambassador Khamphao Ernthavanh and the Embassy of Laos for their kind wishes. The Deputy Minister emphasised that the visit of Ambassador Khamphao Ernthavanh and the delegation from the Embassy to congratulate the 80th anniversary of Vietnam's National Day and the 80th anniversary of the Vietnamese Culture Sector's Traditional Day further enriches the significance of the event.
The Deputy Minister emphasised that the Party, State, and people of Vietnam always cherish the loyal and steadfast solidarity that the Party, State, and people of Laos have shown to Vietnam in the past struggle for national independence as well as in the current work of building and developing the country. This is the foundation for the great friendship, special solidarity, and comprehensive cooperation between Vietnam and Laos. The Deputy Minister believes that the Vietnam-Laos relationship is the most effective model of bilateral cooperation.
Reviewing the cooperation results achieved in the field of culture, sports, and tourism, the Deputy Minister expressed gratitude to the Government and people of Laos for recognising "Truong Son Road – Ho Chi Minh Road in Laos" as a Lao national historical site on August 22, 2025. Regarding "Truong Son Road - Ho Chi Minh Road in Laos" or Hin Nam No National Park, the Deputy Minister hopes that both sides will develop an effective action plan for long-term conservation and promotion of cultural values.
Looking towards the future, both sides agreed on many important plans to continue promoting cooperation. In October, Vietnam will coordinate with Laos to organise the Lao Culture Week in Vietnam, a significant event taking place in Hanoi and Thanh Hoa, which will help strengthen people-to-people exchanges.
Another key project mentioned by the Deputy Minister is the construction of the Laos-Vietnam Friendship Park in the capital city of Vientiane. The Deputy Minister is pleased to announce that, with the strong direction of the Prime Minister and the interest and promotion of the senior leadership of both countries, the project is being implemented urgently and actively, and is expected to be completed and handed over to Laos in 2025, coinciding with Laos' celebration of its major holiday – the 50th anniversary of Lao National Day.
In anticipation of this important event, Deputy Minister Trinh Thi Thuy highly praised the achievements Laos has made in economic, cultural, and social development over the past 50 years under the talented and wise leadership of the Lao People's Revolutionary Party. Through Ambassador Khamphao Ernthavanh, the Deputy Minister also conveyed her best wishes for the Lao Party, Government, and people to achieve brilliant success in the endeavour to build a prosperous and developing Laos.
In a warm and friendly atmosphere, Deputy Minister Trinh Thi Thuy and Ambassador Khamphao Ernthavanh agreed to continue strengthening and enhancing the effectiveness of cultural, sports, tourism, and information and communication cooperation between the two countries, contributing to the consolidation and development of the great friendship, special solidarity, and comprehensive cooperation between Vietnam and Laos.
Huyen Trang