Lao Party General Secretary and President Chummaly Sayasone and Prime Minister Thongsing Thammavong received Secretary of HCM City’s Party Committee Le Thanh Hai in Vientiane on June 27.

Hai, who is in Laos to attend the ‘HCM City Days’ event in Vientiane, said that the twinning relationship between Ho Chi Minh City and the Lao capital of Vientiane as well as other Lao provinces has seen a number of successful developments in many fields.

The ‘HCM City Days’ event in Vientiane shows the city’s determination to develop stronger ties with Laos , helping to strengthen the traditional friendship, special solidarity and comprehensive cooperation between the two countries.

The Lao leaders applauded the ‘HCM City Days’ initiative, describing it as a practical way of celebrating the 2012 Year of Vietnam-Laos Friendship and Solidarity.

They said they believe that the event will help to further the traditional special relationship between Vietnam and Laos and increase understanding between both peoples.

Later the same day, the ‘Ho Chi Minh City Days’ event in Vientiane was officially opened in the presence of Lao Deputy Prime Minister Somsavad Lengsavath and Secretary of the Party Central Committee and Mayor of Vientiane Soukan Mahalath.

In his opening speech, Hai said that HCM City has always paid special attention to its twinning with Vientiane . Relations between HCM City and Vientiane have developed positively in various fields, contributing to the development and prosperity of both countries, he said.

Vientiane Mayor Soukan Mahalath said that the ‘HCM City Days in Vientiane ’ will not only enhance the existing friendship between the two countries but also let people in Vientiane know more about HCM City .

During the event, a range of activities will be held, including photo exhibitions, art performances, sports competitions and seminars to promote trade, investment and tourism.-VNA