A cultural exchange between ethnic minority groups of Vietnam and Laos took place at the Lao National Culture Hall in Vientiane on December 28.

The event marked the start of the Vietnam-Lao Friendship Year 2012 and is part of activities to celebrate 50 years of Vietnam-Lao diplomatic relations.

Giang Seo Phu, Minister-Chairman of the Vietnam Government’s Committee for Ethnic Minority Affairs, thanked Laos for its assistance to Vietnam during the past struggle for national liberation and the current national construction.

He said Vietnam will spare no effort to enhance the Vietnam-Laos special relations.

At the programme, performers from both countries staged various songs and dances praising the countries and the Vietnam- Laos special relationship, showing cultural identities of the ethnic minority groups of the two nations. (Source: Nhandan)