Speaking at the ceremony to confer the title in Vientiane on April 20, Vietnamese Ambassador to Laos Nguyen Manh Hung said that the recognition expressed Hanoian’s appreciation for the Lao official’s contributions to the development and international co-operation work of the Vietnamese capital city.
He said he hoped that the awardee would make further contributions to boosting ties between the two Parties, States and people and foster the Vietnam-Laos traditional friendship, special solidarity and comprehensive co-operation.
Phimmasone Loungkhamma said it is an honour for him to receive the title, adding that it is an encouragement and motivation for him to make more efforts in the Vietnam-Laos relationship.
He pledged to try his best to be a good Lao citizen and honourary Hanoi citizen while also contributing to the development of the bilateral relations.
Phimmasone Loungkhamma was among 12 foreigners presented with the Hanoi honourary citizen title, according to a decision by the Hanoi Municipal People’s Committee on the occasion of the city’s 60th anniversary of liberation in 2014.
The title is conferred to individuals that respect Vietnam’s freedom, sovereignty, national unification and territorial integration and the country’s law. They have also demonstrated solidarity and friendship for peace and social progress while making excellent contributions to developing the city’s politics, economy, culture, society, planning, construction, diplomacy, security and defence.
