Laos has conferred several noble decorations on a number of collectivesand individuals in Vietnam’s central Nghe An province for their greatcontributions to the construction and defence of Laos in general, andXieng Khouang province in particular.

The awardswere presented by Secretary of the provincial Party Committee andGovernor of Xieng Khouang province Somkot Mangnomek at a ceremony heldin Vinh city on July 17.

It is part of activities tomark the 50 th anniversary of the two countries diplomatic ties and inresponse to the Vietnam-Laos Friendship and Solidarity Year.

Accordingly, the Issara Order, first class, was presented to the Partyorganisation and the entire people of Nghe An province, while 87individuals and 56 collectives were awarded the Issara Order, first,second and third class; the Labour Order, second and third class; theFriendship Orders and Medals, and Certificates of Merit from the Laos’Government and Xieng Khouang Governor.

The Secretaryof Nghe An provincial Party Committee, Ho Duc Phoc thanked the LaoGovernment for the decoration, and wished the Lao Party, State andpeople as well as Xieng Khouang greater successes in nationalconstruction and defence.

He expressed his belief thatthe two provinces will implement more effectively their socio-economiccooperation agreement in the term 2011-2015, and expand exchanges andcooperation in healthcare, industry, forestry, science and technology,tourism, culture and sports.-VNA