Vietnamese Deputy Foreign Minister Ho Xuan Son, who is leading the delegation, informed his host of the outcome of the meeting between the two foreign ministries.

Both sides were pleased with the level of cooperation between the two ministries and affirmed their resolve to complete the tasks assigned to them by the two Parties and States.

In 2012, the Vietnamese ministry is preparing to mark the 50^th anniversary of Vietnam-Laos diplomatic ties, the 35^th anniversary of signing the Vietnam-Laos Friendship and Cooperation Treaty, and the Year of Friendship and Solidarity between Vietnam and Laos, Deputy PM Son said.

Deputy PM Thongloun Sisoulith said he was satisfied with the fruitful cooperation between the two two foreign ministries and countries.

He hoped that the foreign ministries will boost their cooperation and exchanges, which will to developing the traditional friendship, special solidarity and comprehensive cooperation between the two nations.

*** The Ho Chi Minh National Academy of Politics and Public Administration (HCMA) organized the graduation ceremony for the participants at an external affairs training course for Lao Party officials in Hanoi on January 13.

Speaking at the ceremony, HCMA Deputy Director Le Quoc Ly said he believes that after the course, the Lao officials will be able to use what they learnt to facilitate their country's international integration and contribute to boosting the solidarity and friendship between the Parties, States and people of Vietnam and Laos.

The course equipped the Lao officials with knowledge about the international relations and foreign policies of Vietnam and major countries as well as global geo-politics, protocols and etiquette, external economies and international law.

They were also updated on the international situation and external activities in the current trend of globalization.

*** On January 13, The Vietnam Record Book Centre (VIETKINGS) and the Laos State Publishing and Book Distribution House signed a cooperation agreement to establish a Laos Record Book Centre (LAOKINGS) in Vientiane.

This is one of the activities in the Vietnam- Lao Friendship Year 2012. Accordingly, VIETKINGS will send experts to Laos, in co-ordination with LAOKINGS, to draft working programs, plans and regulations for the centre.

The two sides will aim to publish a yearbook of Lao records in Vietnamese and Laotian, as well as an English language book called “Laos: the Nation and People” in 2012, to promote tourism and investment in the country.