Lao national day marked in Kunming

Performers pose for a group photo with relevant officials after finishing their show in celebrating National Day of the Lao PDR in Kunming, China on Saturday.

The General Consulate of the Lao PDR in Kunming city, Yunnan, China, held a reception on Saturday to mark the 41st anniversary of National Day of the Lao PDR (Dec 2).

Addressing the ceremony, Lao Consul to Kunming Khamphone Vongsanti highlighted the significance of National Day saying that major achievements had been recorded in the fields of economics, culture and education since the establishment of the Lao PDR.

He welcomed and congratulated all Lao people living and studying in Kunming as well as commending Chinese friends who have made contributions to the strengthening of Lao-China relations.

More than 1,000 people attended the event, including Head of Lao Airlines in Kunming Mr Airtam Vongphachanh, Chinese guests, teachers, students and invited guests.

In the afternoon of the same day, a traditional dance show performed by students represented the Lao PDR’s revolutionary struggle and its notable achievements.

The Lao Consulate, in association with the Lao Students’ Association in Kunming, also held a football competition which drew 13 teams representing 8 universities and 5 educational institutes in Kunming.

Lao students also set up food stalls selling popular Lao dishes including papaya salad (Tam Mak Houng), fruit and vegetables.

“These activities were to celebrate the upcoming National Day of the Lao PDR and to gather Lao students from universities and institutes across the city to exchange lessons and strengthen mutual understanding and solidarity among them. Not only between Lao students, but also with their foreign fellows,” said Mr Khamphone.

The number of Lao students studying in Kunming increases every year and this year, more than 1,100 Lao students are studying in Kunming with more than 300 Lao students studying at the Yunnan Normal University alone.