The first session of the Laos-Belarus Inter-governmental Committee for Cooperation in Trade, Economics, Science and Technology opened in Vientiane on February 6, discussing how to boost all-round cooperation between the two countries.

At the event, which was co-chaired by Lao Minister of Planning and Investment Somdy Douangdy and Belarusian Minister of Economics Nikolai Snopkov, the two sides agreed to further their work together in economics, finance and agro-forestry.

They also will also boost ties in health care, environmental protection, education, culture and mining.

Belarus will provide 10 full scholarships to Lao officials so that they can study in the European country.

In addition, both sides also pledged to work closely together to realise the agreements signed between the two governments in July last year.-VNA