Hanoi and Vientiane played an important role in realising cooperative ideas set by the high-ranking leaders of Vietnam and Laos .

State President Truong Tan Sang made this remark while receiving Vientiane Party Committee Secretary and Mayor Soukanh Mahalat in Hanoi on August 12.

The State leader said that the successful results of visits by the two countries’ delegations at high and local levels have made important contributions to consolidating and strengthening the traditional friendship, special solidarity and comprehensive cooperation between the two Parties, two States and people of Vietnam and Laos .

President Sang expressed his wish that the Hanoi - Vientiane cooperation will further develop in the future and the capital city of Vientiane will harvest new achievements in its development.

He suggested the two capital cities closely coordinate in organising programmes and activities to mark the important celebrations in the Vietnam - Laos relationship in 2012, including the 50 th anniversary of the two countries’ diplomatic ties (1962-2012) and 35 years of the signing of the Vietnam - Laos Friendship and Cooperation Treaty (1977-2012).

For his part, Soukanh Mahalat affirmed his efforts to foster the solidarity, friendship and cooperation between Vietnam and Laos in general and between Vientiane and Vietnamese localities, including Hanoi in particular.

He informed the host of the results of his talks with Hanoi Party Committee Secretary Pham Quang Nghi, stressing that the two sides set out orientations for future cooperation to make the Vientiane - Hanoi twin relationship more effective and practical.

The Vientiane leader thanked Hanoi for its assistance for the Lao capital city in building cultural and educational works such as the Vientiane School of Politics and Public Administration and vocational training centres for Vientiane people.

Earlier, the Vientiane Mayor held talks with Hanoi Party Committee Secretary Pham Quang Nghi during which the two sides agreed to continue boosting their comprehensive cooperation and increasing the exchange of delegations at all levels.

Hanoi will actively assist Vientiane in personnel training, economic development and Party building.

The two sides will strengthen the sharing of experience in capital city management and building, boost investment promotion programmes and enhance bilateral cooperation in culture, sports, tourism and health.

On the same day, the Vientiane guests were received by Chairman of Hanoi People’s Committee Nguyen The Thao./.