Vietnamese Minister of Foreign Affairs Pham Binh Minh began a two-day visit to Laos on August 26 at the invitation of Lao Deputy Prime Minister and Foreign Minister, Thoonglun Sisulit.

FM Minh held talks with leaders of the Lao Foreign Ministry on August 26. The two sides discussed measures to strengthen traditional ties of friendship and comprehensive cooperation and expressed their satisfaction with the development of the special relationship between the two countries.

They agreed to improve the efficiency of cooperation between the two foreign ministries in the future and continue to organise more exchanges and activities in 2012, such as marking the 50^th anniversary of diplomatic ties and the 35^th anniversary of the Vietnam-Laos Friendship and Cooperation Treaty, to bring the special ties of comprehensive cooperation to a new level.

On behalf of the Vietnamese Government and people, FM Minh presented US$200,000 to Lao storm victims.

The delegation also met with Vice President Bounnhang Vorahchit and Prime Minister Thongsing Thammavong on August 27.