Old friends: One of the photos at the exhibition featuring President Ho Chi Minh receiving Kayson Phomvihane, Lao Prime Minister in 1962.

SON LA — A photograph exhibition set to open today in the northern province of Son La celebrates the close friendship and strong solidarity between Viet Nam and Laos during the past 50 years.

It is organised as part of a conference on legislative co-operation between Viet Nam and Laos held on the occasion of the 50th anniversary of diplomatic relations between the two countries.

The show will be divided into two parts. The first section includes 100 photos taken by Vietnam News Agency (VNA) reporters highlighting co-operation and friendship between Viet Nam and Laos. The second part includes 60 photos taken by journalists working on newspapers in Son La Province spotlighting co-operation with the northern provinces of Laos.

"The exhibition aims to reflect the traditional solidarity between Viet Nam and Laos and highlight relations between the national assemblies of the two countries to strengthen ties further," said Pham Dinh Quyen, deputy chief of the Photo Department of the VNA.

On the occasion of the 50th anniversary of bilateral ties, Viet Nam's Ministry of Culture, Sports and Tourism has recognised the Viet Nam -Laos revolutionary historical vestige situated in Lao Kho Hamlet, Phieng Khoai Commune, Yen Chau District in Son La as a national historical vestige.

The exhibition runs until Thursday. — VNS