VietNamNet Bridge – A new set of stamps featuring the close friendship between Viet Nam and Laos was issued in Ha Noi and Vientiane yesterday, July 18, as part of a programme to celebrate Friendship Year between the two nations.

The set of stamps was designed by Vo Luong Nhi, an artist at the Viet Nam Stamps Company.

One stamp, costing VND2,000, features the portraits of Vietnamese President Ho Chi Minh and Lao President Kayson Phomvihan, with the image of the flags of the two countries behind.

A second stamp, on sale for VND12,000, features the image of the One Pillar Pagoda in Ha Noi and That Luang in Vientiane – plus the national flowers of Viet Nam (lotus) and Laos (champa).

50 years of diplomatic ties: A set of stamps highlighting the friendship between Viet Nam and Laos was issued in Ha Noi yesterday, July 18.
"The event aims to consolidate the close friendship between Viet Nam and Laos that has been nurtured by generations of leaders and peoples of the two countries," said Nguyen Thanh Hung, deputy Minister of Information and Communication, during a ceremony at Ha Noi Post office.

The two nations will use the same artwork but different languages on their own versions of the stamps.

This year marks the 35th year of the signing of a Treaty of Friendship and co-operation between the two countries and the 50th anniversary of diplomatic relations.

VietNamNet/Viet Nam News