Fidel sends congratulatory message to president of the Lao People’s Revolutionary Party

Por Miguel Angel Untoria Pedroso

President Fidel Castro Ruz has sent a letter of congratulations from the Communist Party of Cuba to Khamtay Siphandone, president of the Lao People’s Revolutionary Party, on the 50th anniversary of the founding of his party.

"Since its foundation, the Lao People’s Revolutionary Party has led the people of Laos in their heroic struggle for independence, defeating French colonialism and Yankee imperialism, and heads the nation today in the battle for the defense of its sovereignty and the development of the country," stated one part of the letter.

"The Lao Revolutionary Party will continue to reap new victories for the well-being of the Lao people and for international solidarity," concluded the document.

The Central Committee of the Communist Party of Cuba commemorated the anniversary with an event in the José Martí National Library theater, presided over by José Ramón Balaguer, member of the Political Bureau, and Phouangkeo Langsy, ambassador for the Lao People’s Democratic Republic in Havana.

Balaguer recalled the struggles of the people and the Lao People’s Revolutionary Party against French colonialism and US imperialism and emphasized that relations between Cuba and Laos are growing stronger every day.

"Our firm determination to confront whatever hostile policy or imperialist aggression with optimism, strength and secure knowledge of victory," he added, "is united with the objectives for which the people of Laos are fighting in order to guarantee the revolutionary and socialist future of the two countries."

Ambassador Langsy recalled various historic moments of the struggle of his people and Party, and highlighted the magnificent relationship between Cuba and Laos.

Also present were members of political and grassroots organizations, diplomatic representatives, students and officials from the Lao People’s Democratic Republic.