Lao and Russian leaders have sent their congratulatory messages toVietnamese leaders on the occasion of the 40th anniversary ofliberation of southern Vietnam and national reunification day (April30).

Party General Secretary and State President ChummalySayasone, Prime Minister Thongsing Thammavong, and National AssemblyChairwoman Pany Yathotu of Laos sent messages of congratulations toParty General Secretary Nguyen Phu Trong, Prime Minister Nguyen TanDung, and National Assembly Chairman Nguyen Sinh Hung.

The messages underscored that under the leadership of the CommunistParty of Vietnam and with Vietnamese people’s determination, Vietnamdefeated neocolonialists, paving the way for the Ho Chi Minh Campaign’svictory and ultimate national reunification.

Thisvictory has been the pride of Vietnamese, Lao people and peace loversworldwide. The liberation of southern Vietnam in 1975 created importantopportunities for the victory of Laos’ struggle for independence and theestablishment of the Lao People’s Democratic Republic on December 2,1975, the messages said.

In his message cabled to Party GeneralSecretary Nguyen Phu Trong, Russian President V. Putin said this greatday is a reminder of the courage, steadfastness, and heroism ofVietnamese people during their arduous struggle to defend their rightsto freedom and independence. Those past struggle days tested the firmfoundations built for the two nations’ friendship and cooperation.

Heexpressed his belief that built on the glorious tradition of thepast, the two countries will progress forward their mutually beneficialrelations, meeting fully the two people’s benefits as well assafeguarding peace, stability and security in the Asia-Pacific.

Putin sent a wish for happiness and prosperity to the entire Vietnamese people.-VNA