Deputy Prime Minister Nguyen Xuan Phuc met with Laos ’ State President and Party General Secretary Choummaly Sayasone and Prime Minister Thongsing Thammavong on August 14, as part of his working visit to Laos from August 11-14.

Phuc, who is also head of the Vietnam - Laos cooperation sub-committee, informed his hosts of the outcomes of the 34 th meeting of the committee.

During the past six months, both countries have seen positive cooperation in many fields, including economics, trade, investment, education, human resources development and culture, which helps bolster and promote solidarity between Vietnam and Laos, said Phuc.

He added that the two sides have worked out a pilot strategy for Laos to implement a project funded by the Vietnamese Government, as part of activities to mark the 2012 Vietnam – Laos Solidarity and Friendship Year.

Lao leaders noted with pleasure many activities during the 2012 Laos – Vietnam Solidarity Year that create practical and considerable improvement to the solidarity and cooperation shown between both countries.

They said they believed that both countries’ cooperation sub-committees will strive to bring two-way trade to 1 billion USD this year and 2 billion USD by 2015.

They added that they hoped both sides will increase cooperation to bring the Vietnam – Laos relationship to a new height.-VNA