Lao Party General Secretary and State President Chummaly Sayasone welcomed Politburo member and permanent member of the Communist Party of Vietnam Central Committee Secretariat, Le Hong Anh, in Vientiane on July 18.

Anh is in Laos for an official visit and participation in a meeting to mark the 50th anniversary of Vietnam-Laos diplomatic ties and the 35th anniversary of the signing of the Friendship and Cooperation Treaty.

The Lao leader said the visit strengthens the special solidarity and friendship between the two countries.

He expressed his pleasure at the achievements during the implementation of the signed cooperation agreements between the two countries, saying he hopes the two sides will make further special efforts to successfully implement targets set during the mutual Friendship Year.

For his part, Le Hong Anh affirmed that Vietnam will do its best, together with Laos, to keep and foster the traditional friendship, special solidarity and comprehensive cooperation between the two parties and nations, lifting them to new heights.

On the occasion, Anh conveyed the invitations of Party General Secretary Nguyen Phu Trong and State President Truong Tan Sang to General Secretary and President Chummaly Sayasone to visit Vietnam in 2012.

The same day, Le Hong Anh met with Lao National Assembly Chairwoman Pany Yathotou.

The two officials valued the close cooperation between the two countries’ legislative bodies in the recent past and expressed their belief that relations will be further galvanized in future.

The same day, Anh presented the Vietnamese State and Party’s highest distinction, Gold Star Order to Lao Prime Minister Thongsing Thammavong and National Assembly Chairwoman Pany Yathotou and the Ho Chi Minh Order and Independence Order, first class to those who have made outstanding contributions to consolidating and strengthening the Vietnam-Laos relationship.-VNA