• Meeting commemorates Vietnam-Laos diplomatic ties 

In their message, Party General Secretary Nguyen Phu Trong, President Truong Tan Sang, National Assembly Chairman Nguyen Sinh Hung and Prime Minister Nguyen Tan Dung expressed their pleasure at the fine development of the relations between the two Parties, States and peoples over the half century. 

They noted that the Vietnam-Laos comprehensive cooperation has seen strong growth over recent years, particularly in investment and trade, thus contributing to socio-economic development in each country. 

“We strongly believe that with the determination and efforts of both Parties, States and peoples, the traditional friendship, special solidarity and comprehensive cooperation between Vietnam and Laos will rise to new heights, meeting the aspiration and interest of the people in both countries and helping enhance the role, prestige and position of the two countries in the region and the international arena,” the message reads. 

The Lao Party General Secretary cum President Choummaly Sayasone, National Assembly Chairwoman Pany Yathotu and Prime Minister Thongsing Thammavong wrote in their message that the establishment of diplomatic relations on September 5, 1962 and the signing of the Friendship and Cooperation Treaty between the two countries on July 18, 1977 were important events marking new milestones in the bilateral relationship, which also serves as the legal foundation for the relations in the next period. 

The Lao leaders affirmed that the great friendship, special solidarity and comprehensive cooperation between the two Parties, States and peoples have become invaluable assets, the rule for the two countries’ existence and development and one of the decisive factors behind the success of the revolution in each country.