While receiving Lao Defence Minister Douangchai Phichit in Hanoi on February 19, Mr Manh expressed his elation at the new developments in Vietnam-Laos relationship and affirmed that Vietnam will do its utmost to foster bilateral relationship as an invaluable asset of the two nations for future generations.

He congratulated Laos on its tremendous achievements in national construction and defence and expressed his belief that under the leadership of the Lao People’s Revolutionary Party (LPRP), the Lao people will make greater achievements in successfully implementing resolutions adopted at the 8^th LPRP Congress.

He conveyed the best regards to Party General Secretary and President Choummaly Saynhasone and other Party and State leaders of Laos.

For his part, Defence Minister Douangchai Phichit who is also Lao Deputy Prime Minister affirmed that Laos will cooperate closely with Vietnam to build up the friendship special solidarity and comprehensive cooperation between the two countries.

The Defence Minister, who began an official visit to Vietnam on February 18, held talks with his Vietnamese counterpart General Phung Quang Thanh the same day.