A delegation of the Central Highlands Steering Committee led by its deputy head, Lieut. Gen Trieu Xuan Hoa, on July 30 met with Lao Deputy Prime Minister Asang Laoly in Vientiane as part of its visit to Laos from July 28 to August 3.

Informing his host about the Central Highlands’ socio-economic situation, Hoa said the region has enjoyed strong and comprehensive development with an annual average growth rate of nearly 12 percent and people’s material and spiritual well-being improved significantly.

The great unity between ethnic groups has been consolidated and the security and political situation remained stable, he noted.

He attributed the achievements to the Party’s leadership, efforts by the political system and support of the whole country as well as international friends, including Laos .

Hoa used the occasion to thank the Lao side for its great support to Vietnam during the war for national salvation.

Asang Laoly spoke highly of the visit which, he said, took place at a time when the two countries are celebrating the Vietnam-Laos Solidarity and Friendship Year, the 50 th anniversary of their diplomatic ties and the 35 years of the signing of the Vietnam-Laos Cooperation and Friendship Treaty.

He affirmed Laos’ resolve to stand side by side with Vietnam to enhance the special solidarity and comprehensive cooperation between the two countries, contributing to peace, friendship, cooperation, regional and international integration, and prosperity of each nation./.