Report on preparations for the celebration of two historic anniversaries

His full speech is:
So msavat Lengsavad, Chairman of the Organising Committee for the Celebration of the 450th Anniversary of Vientiane Capital and the 35th Anniversary of the Proclamation of the Lao PDR, feels greatly privileged to report to Comrade Choummaly Sayasone, Secretary-General and President of the Republic, and other leaders of the Party and government as well as Lao and foreign guests and fellow countrymen on the p reparation for the commemoration of these two important national events as follows:

Since King Xaysettha-thirath proclaimed Vientiane as the capital city of the Lane Xang Kingdom in 1560 and up to now, the Lao people have never witnessed the celebration of Vientiane as the capital city by any monarchy at any moment in time. For this reason, upon the request of the Vientiane Capital's Party Committee and Administration, the Party Politburo and the government have decided to select 2010 coinciding with the 450th anniversary of Vientiane to stage a big celebration. The main objective aims to acquaint the entire Lao people, in particular the residents of Vientiane, with the origins, background history and the fine traditions of Vientiane as well as to consolidate solidarity and unity, enhance the sense of self-mastery and self-resilience while developing Vientiane in all dimensions with a new facelift and continued modernisation, fast-developing economy, highly-advanced socially and culturally, civilised and fair. Furthermore, it also aims to make friends nearby and afar gain a deeper and accurate knowledge of the history of Vientiane, thus enabling Vientiane to enjoy broader external cooperative relations with overseas friends.

In implementing guidance from the upper echelon, the leadership of Vientiane has, in concert with the National Organising Committee, formulated a detailed work plan and projects with the goal of realising six identified tasks for Vientiane's development, namely: peace, greenery, cleanliness, illumination, prosperity and charisma. The said work plan was officially announced on 12 October 2007.

Since then, through the close guidance of the Party Politburo and the government, through unified solidarity, a high sense of responsibility and close coordination between central, provincial and Vientiane agencies with the Organising Committee and the active participation of people from all social strata and all public and private economic sectors coupled with the cooperation and support of international friends, the said work plan and projects have been successfully realised. In this regard, the most outstanding projects are the casting and consecration of the statue of King Anouvong, the Buddhist Meditation Hall, the rehabilitation of That Luang Esplanade, King Xaysetthathirath's Garden, the 450 Year roundabout, the 450 Year Road, Saphanglane pond, edition and publication of a history book on Vientiane Capital, writing on the history of the Vientiane urbanisation plan, construction of the National Stadium and golf course for the hosting of the 25th SEA Games.

Generally speaking, the work plan and projects have been successfully realised as planned.

On this occasion, I wish to further report that under the guidance of the Politburo on combining the celebrations of the 450th Anniversary of Vientiane Capital with the 35th Anniversary of the Proclamation of the 35th Anniversary of the Lao PDR, the Organising Committee has coordinated with the central and local administrations and has completed all the preparations to that end. At tonight's celebration, 39 strong contingents consisting of more than 11,700 people from central and provincial agencies nationwide are also present. Following the mass meeting, a cultural performance will come into play with the participation of more than 3,200 artists.

On this significant historic day, we are truly delighted to welcome delegates from capitals, major cities and provinces from friendly countries with the participation of 31 delegations in this event together with us. We are equally pleased with the participation of more than 200 Lao compatriots living overseas from nine countries. Of special note are the overseas skydivers who also took part in this joyful celebration together with our Vientiane residents through their fascinating performance in the sky.

In short, all the preparations including the mass meeting for the celebration of the 450th Anniversary of Vientiane as the Capital City and the 35th Anniversary of the proclamation of the Lao People's Democratic Republic have all been completed.

On this auspicious occasion, I have now the honour to invite Comrade Choummaly Sayasone, Secretary General of the Lao People's Revolutionary Party Central Committee and President of the Lao People's Democratic Republic to deliver a keynote address to the mass meeting.