Ms Doan said the visit is of great significance, reflecting the special solidarity and long-term friendship between the two countries. She applauded Laos’s achievements in all fields, especially in overcoming the impact of the global economic downturn to obtain a growth rate of 6.5 percent.

The vice director of the Lao President’s Office, Charying Vang agreed with Ms Doan that the relationship should be further strengthened and expressed his hope that co-operative ties between the two offices would be tightened.