Defence Minister General Phung Quang Thanh received the newly accredited ambassador of Laos , Somphone Sichaleun, in Hanoi on Nov. 15.

Minister Thanh affirmed that defence relations between Vietnam and Laos have been strengthened over recent years, adding that Vietnam is willing to help Laos in training students from the Lao People’s Army.

Thanh expressed his hope that Ambassador Somphone Sichaleun, during his working term in Vietnam will make important contributions to lifting the Vietnam-Lao special relations to a new height.

Ambassador Somphone Sichaleun spoke highly of the cooperative results in defence between the two countries’ armies, affirming that the Lao Party, Government and people are always grateful for the support of the Vietnamese Party, State and People’s Army to Laos in its struggle for national liberation as well as during the country’s current construction.

He also informed Minister Thanh about a plan to celebrate the 50 th anniversary of the Vietnam-Lao diplomatic ties and the 35 th year of signing of the Vietnam-Laos Friendship and Cooperation Treaty./.