>>Vietnam, Laos develop durable solidarity
>>Strengthening Vietnam-Laos fraternal friendship

Mr. Trong’s visit to Laos this time in his new role as General Secretary of the Communist Party of Vietnam opened up new opportunities for the two countries to lift their ties of traditional friendship, special solidarity and comprehensive cooperation to a new height.

It was considered all the more important than his previous visits as he was the first foreign leader invited after the ninth National Congress of the Lao People's Revolutionary Party (LPRP) and seventh NA election were held. He was also the first invited foreign leader deliver a speech at the Lao NA which was live broadcast on radio and television.

Immediately after landing at Vientiane and Savannakhet airports, the Vietnamese delegation received a warm welcome from huge crowds of Lao comrades and people waiting there.

A Laotian on behalf of the well-wishers, said “it’s my great honour to welcome the Vietnamese Party and NA leader. I am confident that his visit it will help strengthen the cooperation between the two countries as expected by their peoples”.

In addition to the pomp and circumstance of the formal events, Mr. Trong and his entourage were honoured by a Lao traditional ceremony to tie strings on their wrists, with best wishes for health, peace, special solidarity, and faithfulness between Vietnam and Laos.

At meetings with Lao leaders or people, Party General Secretary Trong emphasized the firm resolve of both nations to develop the traditional and special Vietnam-Lao relationship in the new period.

Both Vietnam and Laos are engaged in their renewal process during which they have made great historical landmarks.

2012 will be a significant year as the two countries are preparing to celebrate the 50th anniversary of diplomatic ties and the 35th anniversary of the signing of the Vietnam-Lao Friendship and Cooperation Treaty. This will be a firm foundation for selecting 2012 as Vietnam-Laos friendship and solidarity year.

Vietnam is doing all it can to support Laos in becoming a member of the World Trade Organization and organizing the Asia-Europe Meeting in 2012.

NA chairman Trong also visited Savannakhet province, the home province of late President Cayson Phomvihan.

Savannakhet is a province which has established economic and trade cooperation with many Vietnamese provinces and cities such as Quang Tri, Danang, Hue, and Ho Chi Minh City.

Vietnam’s 24 projects operating in the province with a total capitalization of US$140 million have helped Savannakhet gradually reduce poverty. Danang has also helped build a Vietnamese language centre in the province for Lao pupils to study Vietnamese.

To promote the education of the young generation of the traditional ties of friendship and cooperation between the two countries, Mr. Trong proposed setting up centres for Vietnamese pupils to study Lao language in the country.

During his visit, Mr. Trong’s presented Savannakhet with a cultural house as a significant gift from Vietnam to Lao people.