A senior Laotian diplomat has expressed his thanks to the Vietnamese people and government on behalf of his country, for their valuable support to Laos during its struggle for national liberation and its current development process.

At a meeting to celebrate the 34 th anniversary of Laos independence in the northern province of Hai Duong on November 27, Soonthorn Xayachack, the Laotian Ambassador to Vietnam, underlined the special relationship between the two countries and said that their friendship is a precious asset for both nations.

He informed those attending of his country’s high economic growth rate over the past 34 years, saying in spite of many difficulties, Laos economy grew by an average of 7.1 percent in 2008 and 2009.

For Vietnam, the Chair of Hai Duong Province People’s Committee, Nguyen Thi Minh confirmed the faithful relationship and solidarity, which was nourished by the late President Ho Chi Minh and President Kaysone Phomvihane and said she believed that with a combined effort, the bilateral relationship and comprehensive cooperation will continue to develop, bringing about practical benefits for both peoples.

Vietnam and Laos enjoy fine economic, trade and investment relations and Vietnam is one of Laos’s leading investors, boasting more than 200 projects with a combined capital of 2.1 billion USD.

Laos’ Independence Day falls on December 2./.