National Assembly Chairman Nguyen Sinh Hung paid a courtesy visit to General Secretary of the Lao People’s Revolutionary Party and President of Laos Choummaly Sayasone on October 2, as he arrived in the capital city of Vientiane for the 7 th Asia-Europe Parliamentary Partnership Meeting (ASEP-7).

Hung congratulated Laos on its hosting of ASEP-7 and the 9 th Asia-Europe Summit, stressing that the Communist Party of Vietnam (CPV), the Vietnamese National Assembly and people will continue to support, assist and cooperate with Laos at multilateral forums for peace, development and prosperity in the region and the world as well.

Expressing his pleasure at the intensive and effective development of bilateral ties, the NA Chairman said that in 2012, the two countries have closely coordinated in implementing activities celebrating the Vietnam-Laos Friendship and Solidarity Year, helping educate young generations on the history, tradition and special significance of this relationship.

The two countries’ legislatures coordinated in successfully organising a meeting for Vietnam-Laos cooperation, solidarity and friendship in Vietnam ’s Son La province in March, he added.

The top Vietnamese legislator suggested the two sides continue maintaining and increasing visits by high-ranking leaders as well as exchanges between ministries, agencies, localities and businesses.

The two countries should continue close cooperation with and support for each other at regional and international multilateral forums, he said.

Choummaly Sayasone thanked the Vietnamese NA and people for their coordination with and assistance for the Lao NA in all aspects, especially in preparing for the ASEP-7, describing it as an evidence for the special solidarity and friendship between the two Parties and peoples.

He said he is pleased with the two sides’ joint activities to mark the 50 th anniversary of bilateral diplomatic ties and the 35 th anniversary of the signing of the Vietnam-Laos Friendship and Cooperation Treaty.

The Lao leader expressed his belief that under the CPV leadership, the Vietnamese people will harvest new successes in national construction and development, fulfilling the goal of turning Vietnam into an industrialised country.

He said he hopes that the two NAs will continue to step up comprehensive cooperation for the benefits of each side as well as for the special and faithful friendship between the two nations.

On the same day, Chairman Hung met with Lao Prime Minister Thongsing Thammavong, who affirmed that the Lao Party, State and people are always grateful to Vietnam ’s wholehearted support and assistance in their struggle for national independence in the past as well as in the current national development.

The Lao PM expressed his belief that the two NAs will continue close coordination in all aspects, particularly supervision activities, to boost cooperation programmes and projects between the two countries.

The Vietnamese NA leader suggested that two countries continue coordination to improve the efficiency of cooperation activities, especially increasing two-way trade.

He affirmed that the Vietnamese NA will do its utmost to foster cooperation between the two legislative bodies as well as the special friendship between the two countries./.