Prime Minister Nguyen Tan Dung separately met with Lao Finance Minister Phouphet Khamphounvong and Palestinian Minister of Home Affairs and National Security Said Adb Al-Rahman Ahmad Abu-Ali, in Hanoi on Dec. 12.

At a meeting with the Minister Phouphet Khamphounvong, PM Dung highly valued the Lao official visit to Vietnam and results of talks between the two finance ministries, describing them as an important and practical contribution to strengthening the traditional Vietnam-Laos friendship, special solidarity and comprehensive cooperation.

The Vietnam-Laos special relations is an invaluable treasure of both Parties, States and peoples, the PM said, adding that Vietnam spares no effort, together with Laos, to promote the two countries’ ties in a deeper, more practical and effective manner. In particular, the two sides will speed up the implementation of cooperation activities in agreed areas, as well as accelerate new cooperative programmes.

He welcomed cooperation between the two finance ministries in sharing experience and mutual assistance in personnel training.

Minister Phouphet Khamphounvong spoke highly of efforts and help from Vietnamese experts to develop the Lao financial sector.

He affirmed a commitment to effectively implement bilateral agreements, contributing to maintaining and promoting the Laos-Vietnam traditional friendship, special solidarity and comprehensive cooperation.

Also the same day, during his meeting with the Palestinian Minister of Home Affairs and National Security, the PM highly valued results of talks and agreements between the Vietnam Ministry of Public Security and the Palestinian Ministry of Home Affairs and National Security, saying that cooperative outcomes were practical contributions to boosting relations.

He congratulated Palestine on its recent achievements, particularly UNESCO membership, affirming Vietnam ’s support to the Palestinian people in their struggle for independence and for the fundamental rights of the Palestinian people.

He also affirmed support for Palestine ’s policy of peaceful negotiations with Israel as acceptable for both sides.

The Vietnamese Government wants to enhance cooperation with the Palestinian Government in fields of their strength, with benefits for both sides.

In reply, the Palestinian Minister said the Palestinian people wish to seek a peaceful solution through negotiations with Israel , and want the international community to promptly recognise the state of Palestine .

He also said he wants Vietnam to support the Palestinian people’s just struggle and affirmed Palestine always considers Vietnam as a traditional friend willing to boost economic, cultural and security cooperation./.