Laos, Vietnam commemorate Victory Day at Dien Bien Phu  

Ceremonies to mark the 70th anniversary of Dien Bien Phu Victory Day were held in Laos and Vietnam on Tuesday, commemorating the enduring unity and cooperation between Laos and Vietnam over the past seven decades.

Vice President Pany Yathortou delivers a speech at the ceremony in Vientiane on Tuesday.

The gatherings commemorated not only the triumph of the Vietnamese people but also that of the peoples of Laos and Cambodia, who joined forces to fight a common enemy and liberate their countries, as well as highlighting the great sacrifices made by the Vietnamese army and its allies.
Speaking at the ceremony in Vientiane, the Head of the Propaganda and Training Board of the Party Central Committee, Mr Khamphanh Pheuyavong, said May 7, 1954, was the Victory Day in the battle of Dien Bien Phu.
Commemoration of this day reflects the pride of the Vietnamese people in their success on the path to freeing their country from domination by France, as well as the success of the mission to protect and develop Vietnam.
“The victory of Dien Bien Phu was not only a victory for the people of Vietnam but also a victory for the people of Laos and Cambodia, who came together to fight the same enemy and achieve freedom,” Mr Khamphanh said.
The victory was a severe blow to the French in their attempts to recolonise the region. The French government was forced to sign the 1954 Geneva Agreements on Indochina and to recognise the independence, sovereignty and territorial rights of the three Indochinese nations.
Presiding over the ceremony, Vice President Mrs Pany Yathortou delivered a speech on behalf of the Party, government and Parliament to commemorate the achievements under the leadership of President Ho Chi Minh, President Kaysone Phomvihane and President Souphanouvong, and those of the Lao and Vietnamese revolutionary fighters.
May 7, 1954, was a historic day for the Vietnamese army as it drove out the French from the Dien Bien Phu base and captured thousands of enemy soldiers. This showed the bravery and strength of the Vietnamese people, who sacrificed their lives for their country, the Vice President said. 
“For Laos, the victory of Dien Bien Phu reflects the unity and cooperation between Laos and Vietnam in jointly fighting to overthrow foreign aggressors. It was a victory against a common enemy through mutual support in wiping out enemy strongholds in Laos and Vietnam,” she added.
To preserve their long-standing tradition of cooperation, the two nations will continue to strengthen their ties and enhance the special solidarity between the Parties, governments and peoples of Laos and Vietnam, the Vice President said.
Prime Minister Sonexay Siphandone, other high-ranking officials, Vietnam’s Ambassador to Laos Nguyen Ba Hung and other dignitaries attended the event.

By Bounfaeng Phaymanivong
 (Latest Update May 8, 2024)