Chinese army cultural events week in Laos

A splendid cultural performance by a Chinese army cultural delegation was held on Monday evening at the National Cultural Hall in Laos' capital of Vientiane, kicking off the four-day Chinese army cultural exchange activities. The activities which themed "Chinese army cultural events week", provide a chance for the Lao audience to learn more about the Chinese army's cultural development, and the deep friendship between the two countries and their armies, through the variety of art forms such as paintings, photos and calligraphy exhibitions, art performances and film playing. It is reported to be the first time for the Chinese People's Liberation Army (PLA) to launch such cultural events week in a foreign country. At the opening ceremony of the event, Sonethong Phomlavong, director general of the Propaganda Department at the Lao Ministry of National Defense's General Political Department, said "the visit shows the brotherly relationship of the two countries and their armies. The good atmosphere built by both sides will encourage the Lao People's Army to make arduous efforts to achieve the historic mission given by the Lao Party and people." "We hope both sides will continue to strengthen the cultural exchange between the two countries and their armies in the future, " he added. Li Guoru, head of the Chinese army delegation, said "that we launch this event in Laos, in order to express the Chinese people and army's friendship towards the Lao people and army, as well as celebrate the 50th anniversary of diplomatic relations between Laos and China, and enhance the traditional friendship between the two countries and their armies." More than 1,500 officials and soldiers from the Lao government ministries and Lao People's Army attended the opening ceremony, watching the art show which featured singing, dancing, magic and acrobatic performances. The event, co-organized by the General Political Department of the Chinese PLA, the General Political Department of the Lao People's Army and the Chinese Embassy to Laos, will run through Dec. 22.