At a reception for the Lao delegation which is visiting Hanoi on the capital’s millennial birthday, President Triet thanked Laos’ Party, State and people for awarding Hanoi the Gold National Order- the Lao State’s highest decoration, showing a deep traditional friendship, special solidarity and comprehensive cooperation between Vietnam and Laos.

Mr Triet praised the tremendous achievements Laos has recorded during its renewal process and national construction and defense while expressing his delight at the positive developments in the Vietnam-Laos relationship.

President Triet asked the Lao delegation to convey his warm regards to Lao President Choummaly Sayasone and other Party and State leaders.

For his part, Vice President Volachith hoped the Vietnamese people and Hanoi continue to make even greater achievements in national development towards the goal of a prosperous people living in a strong country with a just, democratic and civilized society.

Mr Volachith thanked the Vietnamese Party and State and people for their valuable assistance and affirmed that Laos would try its best to bring the time honoured Vietnam-Laos friendship to a higher level.

The same day, politburo member and member of the Party Central Committee’s Secretariat, Truong Tan Sang, hosted a banquet in honour of Vice President Bounnhang Volachith and his delegation.