Vientiane: The Annamite Range-Ho Chi Minh Trail, located on the Lao side, has been officially recognized as a national historical heritage site by the Lao People’s Democratic Republic. The recognition ceremony took place on August 22 at the Ministry of National Defence in Vientiane and was attended by key dignitaries, including Vice President Pany Yathortou and Vietnamese Vice President Vo Thi Anh Xuan, alongside senior Party and State leaders, and representatives from relevant ministries and provinces of both Laos and Vietnam.
According to Lao News Agency, Maj. Gen. Vongsone Inpanphim, Deputy Minister of National Defence and Chairman of the General Department of Politics of the Lao People’s Army, provided an overview of the survey and documentation process of the historic relics along the Annamite Range-Ho Chi Minh Trail. Since late 2023, experts from Laos and Vietnam have conducted extensive surveys through the regions of Borikhamxay, Khammuan, Savannakhet, Saravan, Xekong, Champassak, and Attapeu.
The survey identified 18 specific locations along the trail as historic heritage sites, underscoring the shared struggle, solidarity, and friendship between Laos and Vietnam during their national liberation movements. Maj. Gen. Vongsone noted the trail’s significance as a vital transport and supply route of strategic military importance, as well as a stronghold that greatly contributed to the national liberation movements in Laos and Vietnam, and the revolutionary struggle in Cambodia.
He stressed that the Ho Chi Minh Trail through Laos not only served as a crucial supply route for the front lines in Laos, Vietnam, and Cambodia but also stands today as a lasting symbol of the shared struggle and enduring solidarity between the peoples of Laos and Vietnam.