Vietnamese Foreign Minister Phạm Bình Minh paid a working visit to Laos on August 26 and 27 at the invitation of Lao Deputy Prime Minister and Foreign Minister Thongloun Sisoulith.

While in Laos , FM Minh paid courtesy visit to Vice State President Bounnhang Volachit and Prime Minister Thongsin Thammavong. He also held talks with Deputy PM and FM Thongloun Sisoulith.

At the meetings, the two sides exchanged measures to consolidate and intensify the traditional friendship, special solidarity and comprehensive cooperation between the two countries. They also discussed issues of common concern.

The two sides expressed their pleasure at the fine development in relations in all fields between the two countries, especially in economies and investment, saying that this has actively contributed to the development in each country.

They agreed to continue organising exchanges between the two foreign ministries, and work closely in events in 2012, including activities to mark the 50 th anniversary of the establishment of Vietnam-Laos diplomatic ties and the 35 th anniversary of the signing of the Vietnam-Laos Friendship Treaty.

On this occasion, FM Minh, on behalf of the Vietnamese Government handed over 200,000 USD to the Lao Government as donation to Lao victims of recent typhoon./.