Lao Deputy Prime Minister Somsavad Lengsavath on Jan. 10 extended his wish that the 11th National Congress of the Communist Party of Vietnam (CPV) will be successful, helping Vietnam advance firmly forward along its set directions and objectives.

The Lao Deputy PM praised the important achievements Vietnam has made during its renewal process under the leadership of the CPV, particularly its economic development. He noted that Vietnam has turned from a country that needed rice support from overseas to one of the world leading rice exporters.

Since the 10th National Party Congress, despite complicated developments in the world situation, especially the impacts of the global financial crisis and economic recession, consecutive natural disasters and epidemics, Vietnam has steadily developed with an average annual GDP growth rate of 6.9 percent in the five-year period, he said.

The economic success has boosted the development of many other fields in Vietnam , making important contributions to ensuring the political stability, strengthening the national united strength and raising its position in the region and the international arena, he added.

Somsavad Lengsavath said that the Vietnam-Laos relationship has seen continuous developments in all aspects, helping increase Laos ’ strength and further tighten the great friendship, special solidarity and comprehensive cooperation between the two countries.

The relationship, fostered by President Ho Chi Minh of Vietnam and President Kaysone Phomvihane of Laos as well as efforts and sacrifices of many generations of Vietnamese and Lao people, is a priceless asset of the two nations, he stressed.

On the occasion, the Lao Deputy PM thanked the Vietnamese Party, State and people for their close cooperation, valuable and effective support for Laos’ development over the past time.

He expressed his belief that under the leadership of the two countries’ parties, the Laos-Vietnam cooperation will continue to flourish in the coming time, greatly contributing to each country’s socio-economic development and their march to socialism./.