Lao leaders considered the visit a good chance for the two government offices to share experiences and effectively implement the Party and State’s assigned duties.

Mr Bouphavanh emphasised that the two offices should increase their role in assisting the Governments and relevant agencies to operate effectively as well as help to develop the comprehensive co-operative ties between the two countries to a new level.

Mr Volachit expressed his hope that Government offices will actively help businesses from two countries to boost investment co-operation.

Earlier, the delegations from the Vietnamese and Lao Government offices held talks and agreed to step up the exchange of visits, information and documents.

Vietnam promised to provide short training courses, organise seminars and conferences for Lao officials and help Laos develop its Governmental information gateway in addition to assistance on and other important issues.

After the talks, the two sides signed a co-operative agreement and Vietnam presented 60 computer systems to Laos.

During the visit, the Vietnamese delegation will meet with Deputy Prime Minister Somsavat Lengsavad, visit the Kayson Phomvihan memorial site and museum, the Souphanouvong President memorial site and some cultural bases in Vientiane.