A solemn incense offering ceremony took place at the President Ho Chi Minh Memorial Site in Xiengvang village, Nongbok, Khammouane province, Laos, on May 18, 2023, to commemorate the 133rd birth anniversary of President Ho Chi Minh (19/5/1890–19/5/2023).

Members of the Vietnamese community in Khammouane province, as well as representatives from the provincial government, were among the dignitaries who attended the ceremony. Among them were Mr. Phan Minh Chien, Counselor of the Vietnamese Embassy in Laos, as well as representatives from the Consulate General of Vietnam in Savannakhet, Central Laos, the General Association of Vietnamese in Laos, the Vietnamese Association in Vientiane, and the Association of Vietnamese Enterprises for Cooperation and Investment in Laos.

Mr. Phan Minh Chien retraced President Ho Chi Minh's tenacious pursuit of national redemption over the course of three decades during the event. He emphasized that President Ho Chi Minh always placed a premium on the unity between Vietnam and Laos, viewing it as fundamental to the vital interests of both countries, right from the beginning of the Communist Party's formation until the time of national independence struggles.

To prepare for the revolutionary movements in Vietnam and Laos, President Ho Chi Minh went back to Laos from Thailand in 1928 and 1929 to gather a core group of supporters. He was one of three Vietnamese presidents—Phomvihane, Suphanouvong, and Kaysone—who laid the groundwork for the unique friendship and solidarity that exists between their countries and has only grown stronger since then.

Ho Chi Minh, Vietnam's president, once said, "The Lao revolution cannot do without the help of the Vietnamese revolution, and the Vietnamese revolution cannot do without the help of the Lao revolution." He inspired hundreds of thousands of Vietnamese to bravely fight on Laotian battlefields after he taught that "helping a friend is helping ourselves." The Vietnamese party and people entrusted them with this mission. In the midst of the terrible North-South split in Vietnam, Laos granted Vietnam access to the western Truong Son range so that the country could build the fabled Ho Chi Minh Trail, which transported supplies to the beleaguered South.

The heroic triumph that freed both peoples from slavery was the result of the sacrifices made by the heroes and the people of both nations. The complete liberation of South Vietnam occurred in the spring of 1975, leading to the unification of the country. On the same date, December 2, 1975, the Laotian revolution succeeded in creating the Lao People's Democratic Republic.

At the incense offering ceremony held in honor of President Ho Chi Minh on the occasion of his birth anniversary, Counselor Phan Minh Chien stated that the Vietnamese people and those of the United States should take this opportunity to remember their shared history of great achievements and to honor the memory of President Ho Chi Minh with eternal gratitude. The Vietnamese community in Laos is deeply committed to their homeland, the Vietnamese people, and the Communist Party. They live, study, and follow Ho Chi Minh's moral example. They are also committed to maintaining and strengthening the long-term friendship, cooperation, and solidarity between the two countries and their peoples.

Mr. Nguyen Van Hung, president of the General Association of Vietnamese in Laos, spoke on behalf of the Vietnamese community in Laos. He said that, under President Ho Chi Minh's guidance, the Vietnamese community in Laos has always been proud of its cultural heritage, actively participates in activities related to Vietnam, and plays a significant role in strengthening the friendship between Vietnam and Laos. The community will stay together and form a strong organization, helping each other out in life, boosting the economy, holding on to traditional identities, and making a positive impact on Laos's socioeconomic development and the friendship and solidarity between the two nations.

Delegates from both nations explored the memorial site's exhibition following the ceremony, which highlighted President Ho Chi Minh's life and the history of Vietnam and Laos's relationship.

Following their visit to the revered leader's memorial site, the Vietnamese and Laotian delegations paid their respects at the Laos-Vietnam Combat Alliance Monument in Thakhek town, Khammouane province. The monument is dedicated to the memory of the heroes and martyrs who gave their lives for the independence of Vietnam and Laos.