The agreement was reached during talks in Hanoi on March 29 between Vice State President Nguyen Thi Doan and her visiting Lao counterpart Bounnhang Vorachit.

Vice President Doan congratulated the Lao People’s Revolutionary Party (LPRP) (March 22) on its 55th founding anniversary, and extended best wishes on the occasion of the Lao traditional Tet, Bunpimay. She also praised the successful organisation of the 25th SEA Games, a major regional sporting event, which she said helped boost Lao prestige and position in the region and the world.

They expressed their delight at the in-depth development of the special and comprehensive relationship between Vietnam and Laos and vowed to work hard to bring it to new heights.

They said the two countries should implement the signed agreements to enhance their political ties and cooperation on security and defence, as well as the exchange of delegations from the central to local levels. They reached unanimity on promoting the compilation of the history of Vietnam-Laos special relations, on building a President Ho Chi Minh commemorative zone in Laos and continuing to search for the remains of Vietnamese volunteers in Laos.

The two leaders agreed to facilitate the flow of transit goods, increase two-way trade and educate their people, especially younger generations, on the Vietnam-Laos traditional relations, special solidarity and comprehensive cooperation. They also agreed to work closely to successfully organise major significant events in the two countries this year, including the 1,000th anniversary of Thang Long-Hanoi, the 120th birthday of President Ho Chi Minh, the 450th anniversary of Vientiane, and the 90th birthday of President Kaysone Phomvihane.

Also the same day, Vice President Doan hosted a banquet in honour of Vice President Bounnhang Vorachit and her entourage, who are on a three-day official visit to Vietnam beginning on March 28.