Revolutionary generations of Laos and Vietnam have been upholding and nurturing special relations between the two countries, in accordance with the shared wishes of their predecessors, said a top Lao leader on July 8.

Lao Party General Secretary and State President, Choummali Saignason, made the remark while receiving a high-ranking Vietnamese delegation, headed by To Huy Rua, Politburo member and Secretary of the Communist Party of Vietnam’s Central Committee (CPVCC).

Rua, who is also Head of the CPVCC’s Commission for Information and Education, informed his host of the results of the seminar on the life and revolutionary career of late Lao President Souphanouvong, held in the capital city of Vientiane on July 7 to mark his 100th birthday (July 13).

The workshop gathered a wide range of valuable documents to support research and provide information about President Souphanouvong, as well as a collection of history books on the special relationship between the two countries, he said.

Saignason applauded the delegation’s attendance at the event, describing it as evidence of the Party, State and people of Vietnam ’s keen interest in President Souphanouvong and the Laos-Vietnam relationship.

He said the Lao Party, State and people always highly appreciate the great contributions of President Souphanouvong during their past struggle for national independence and construction.

President Souphanouvong was a devoted student of President Ho Chi Minh and a close friend of the fraternal Vietnamese people, he said, adding when he was still alive, President Souphanouvong used to remind Lao officials and the people to remain loyal to their relations with Vietnam , the leader noted.

During their talks, host and guest spent time discussing the impact of the global economic and financial crisis on the economy of each country.

They also looked into preparations for Party Congresses at all levels in anticipation of the National Party Congresses of Vietnam and Laos scheduled for early 2011.

Earlier, Rua met with his Lao counterpart, Phanduangchith Vongsa, who briefed him on Laos ’s socio-economic development and the dissemination of information about the country’s Party Congress at the grassroots-level in the lead up to the National Party Congress.

The officials exchanged views on a number of issues of mutual concern, and pledged to work together closely to complete the compilation of history books on Vietnam-Laos special relations./.