Lao Party General Secretary and State President Choummaly Sayasone began his official friendship visit to Vietnam on August 8 at the invitation of Vietnamese Party General Secretary Nguyen Phu Trong and State President Truong Tan Sang.

After the welcome reception, Mr Trong talked with Mr Sayasone and recalled his visit to Laos two months ago, agreeing with the cooperative orientations between the two countries. He congratulated Laos on the successful organization of the Lao People’s Revolutionary Party’s 9^th Congress and the 7^th National Assembly Election, and praised Laos’ achievements in its current national construction. Mr Trong expressed his hope that, under the leadership of the Lao People’s Revolutionary Party led by Mr Sayasone, Laos will successfully implement the resolution of its 9^th Party Congress and its five-year socio-economic development plan to develop into a strong country.

President Sayasone congratulated Vietnam on its successful 11^th National Party Congress and 13^th National Assembly Elections and thanked Mr Trong for Vietnam’s valuable assistance. He asserted that Laos will do its utmost to continue fostering the traditional ties of friendship and special solidarity between the two Parties, States and peoples.

The two leaders agreed to further bilateral ties to a new level, considering it a decisive factor for ensuring the success of each country’s revolutionary cause.

They also agreed to boost comprehensive cooperation based on promoting independence, self-reliance, sovereignty, and mutual cooperation.

The two countries will strengthen exchanges between ministries and localities and coordinate to organise a Vietnam-Laos solidarity and friendship year in 2012.

On the same day, President Sayasone also met with President Truong Tan Sang, Prime Minister Nguyen Tan Dung and National Assembly Chairman Nguyen Sinh Hung.

President Sang welcomed President Sayasone’s decision to choose Vietnam as his first country to visit after being re-elected as Lao Party General Secretary and State President. He affirmed that he, along with other Vietnamese and Lao leaders, will further promote the traditional ties of friendship and comprehensive cooperation.

Mr Sang affirmed that Vietnam will help Laos organise the 9^th ASEAN summit in Vientiane in 2012.

President Sayasone thanked Vietnam for its assistance in implementing many projects as well as socio-economic development and poverty reduction programmes in Laos. He said the Vietnam-Lao solidarity and friendship year will encourage younger generations to maintain and promote the special ties between the two Parties, States and peoples.

He invited Mr Sang to visit Laos in the future and Mr Sang accepted the invitation.

On behalf of the Vietnamese Government, Prime Minister Nguyen Tan Dung welcomed President Sayasone’s visit to Vietnam, saying it is an important landmark that will strengthen the special ties between the two countries. PM Dung asserted that the Vietnamese Government will work closely work with the Lao Government to effectively implement signed agreements and further tighten bilateral ties for mutual benefit.

•  Top Lao leader arrives for official visit