Anh, who is also permanent member of the Communist Party of Vietnam Central Committee Secretariat, attended a meeting to mark the 50th anniversary of Vietnam-Laos diplomatic ties and the 35th anniversary of the signing of the Friendship and Cooperation Treaty.

The Lao leader said the visit strengthens the special solidarity and friendship between the two countries.

For his part, Anh affirmed that Vietnam will do its best, together with Laos, to keep and foster the traditional friendship, special solidarity and comprehensive cooperation between the two parties and nations, lifting them to new heights.

He conveyed the invitations of Party General Secretary Nguyen Phu Trong and State President Truong Tan Sang to General Secretary and President Chummaly Sayasone to visit Vietnam in 2012.

The same day, Anh met with National Assembly Chairwoman Pany Yathotou.

The two officials valued the close cooperation between the two countries’ legislative bodies of Vietnam and Laos in the recent past and expressed their belief that relations will be further galvanized in future.

At an awards ceremony later, Anh presented the Gold Star Order, the Vietnamese State and Party’s highest distinction, to Lao PM Thongsing Thammavong and NA Chairwoman Pany Yathotou and the Ho Chi Minh Order and Independence Order, first class, to those who have made outstanding contributions to strengthening the Vietnam-Laos relationship.