A delegation of the Committee for Ethnic Minority of Vietnam, led by Deputy Chairman Son Minh Thang, began a week-long visit to Laos on Nov. 7.

On the afternoon of Nov. 7, the delegation held talks with a delegation of the Lao Front for National Construction, led by its Standing Vice President Tong Yotho.

The two sides reviewed the four years of implementing the cooperation agreement between the two sides.

They agreed to continue boosting the exchange of information and visits to further develop the special friendship and solidarity between Vietnam and Laos .

In 2012, the two sides will coordinate to organise activities to celebrate the 50 th anniversary of diplomatic ties between Vietnam and Laos , the 35 th anniversary of the signing of the Vietnam-Laos Friendship and Cooperation Treaty and the Year of Vietnam-Laos Friendship and Solidarity 2012.

They also agreed to renew the cooperation agreement between the two agencies for the 2011-2016 period, which focuses on training cadres for Laos, building special policies for border management, fighting crimes, providing law education and boosting solidarity between the two nations.

The Vietnamese delegation plans to pay a courtesy visit to Lao Vice President Bounnhang Volachit and visit some cultural establishments in Vientiane and Savannakhet./.