Ho Chi Minh City will do its utmost in strengthening cooperation with Lao localities as well as fostering the comprehensive cooperation between the two countries.

Politburo member and Secretary of the Ho Chi Minh City’s Party Committee Le Thanh Hai made the statement at his meeting with visiting General Secretary of the Lao People’s Revolutionary Party (LPRP) and President of Laos Choummaly Sayasone on December 27.

The Lao leader was visiting the city as part of his visit to Vietnam.

Hai expressed his pleasure to welcome the Lao leader to the city on the occasion the Vietnam-Laos Friendship Year 2012 wraps up in success.

He congratulated the Lao Party and people on their achievements in implementing the Resolution of its 9 th Party Congress, WTO membership and the successful organisation of the 9 th Asia-Europe Meeting (ASEM 9).

Hai also briefed his guest om the city’s socio-economic development in 2012 and the outstanding activities held in the city during the Vietnam-Laos Friendship Year.

The Lao Party and State leader spoke highly of the activities during the friendship year in Ho Chi Minh City , saying that they contributed to raising the two peoples’ awareness and understanding on the Vietnam-Laos, Laos-Vietnam special friendship.

He also recognised the results of the cooperation between Ho Chi Minh City and Lao localities, especially the city’s help in training Lao students.

The Lao Party and State will do their best to foster the ever-growing and ever-lasting relations with the Vietnamese Party and State, he said.

The same day, Hai hosted a banquet in honour of the Lao Party and State leader.-VNA