Spouses of Vietnamese, Lao Party leaders visit Ninh Binh

Ngo Phuong Ly, spouse of the Vietnamese Party General Secretary, and visiting Naly Sisoulith, spouse of the Lao Party General Secretary and President on January 27 engaged in a series of activities in Ninh Binh during their visit to the northern province.

The delegation visited and offered incense at the temple of Princess Nhoi Hoa in Thai Son hamlet, Tay Hoa Lu ward, a provincial-level historical and cultural relic associated with the long-standing friendship between Vietnam and Laos.

According to historical records, during the reign of King Le Thanh Tong in the 15th century, the Lao King sent Princess Nhoi Hoa, along with several generals and a contingent of war elephants, to Dai Viet (the name of Vietnam at the time) to assist in training and supporting its army and people in the resistance against invaders. The campaign ended in victory, contributing to the protection of national independence and stability. After completing her mission, Princess Nhoi Hoa fell ill and passed away while returning home in the area now known as Den hill in Ninh Binh. The Dai Viet court organised her burial there and built a mausoleum and temple in her honour, demonstrating deep respect and appreciation for the Vietnam Laos friendship.

Following the incense-offering ceremony, the delegation enjoyed an art performance presented by artists and students of the local Hoa Lu University. Sisoulith praised the spirit of study, training and solidarity of Lao students at the university, wishing them good health, academic success and continued contributions to nurturing the bilateral traditional friendship.

The delegation later visited the Bai Dinh Pagoda, part of the Trang An scenic landscape complex a UNESCO World Cultural and Natural Heritage site.

Within the framework of the trip, Ly presented a souvenir to the spouse of the Lao Party General Secretary and President an embroidered scarf featuring the Champa flower, the national symbol of Laos. The scarf was crafted by artisans from Van Lam embroidery village in Ninh Binh based on a floral design created by Ly herself.

The delegates also attended a reception hosted by the leaders of Ninh Binh. At the event, Secretary of the provincial Party Committee Dang Xuan Phong expressed his confidence that the great friendship, special solidarity and comprehensive cooperation between Vietnam and Laos would continue to flourish and endure for generations.

Sisoulith expressed her delight at witnessing Vietnam’s socio-economic development in general and that of Ninh Binh in particular, and voiced her wish to return to the province in the future.

Ly shared her hope that cooperation between Ninh Binh and Lao localities would be further strengthened in the time ahead, contributing to deepening the faithful and enduring bond between the two nations./.