The Vietnam – Laos Solidarity and Friendship Year 2012 is an event of great significance, a senior Government official has said.

Deputy Prime Minister Nguyen Xuan Phuc, Chairman of the Vietnam – Laos Cooperation Sub-committee, made the statement at a meeting in Hanoi on Feb. 6 to discuss activities to mark the Vietnam – Laos Solidarity and Friendship Year 2012.

Phuc, who is also Deputy Head of the National Steering Committee for Vietnam – Laos Solidarity and Friendship Year 2012, also said it is necessary to provide education about the two countries’ special solidarity to young generations and people in remote and mountainous areas.

Also part of efforts to mark the 50 th anniversary of the two countries’ diplomatic ties and the 35 th anniversary of the signing of Vietnam – Laos Amity and Cooperation Treaty, the participants agreed to host a series of activities nationwide this year, including the exchanges of delegations at all levels, presenting orders to senior leaders and officials, cultural and sports exchanges and activities to enhance economic and trade cooperation.

Addressing the event, Politburo member Le Hong Anh, permanent member of the Party Central Committee Secretariat and Head of the National Steering Committee for Vietnam – Laos Solidarity and Friendship Year 2012 said sub-committees and working groups will be established between now and Feb. 15 to conduct above-mentioned activities.

He also called for coordination among local ministries and departments to step up these activities./.