A delegation of the Communist Party of Vietnam’s Commission for External Relations, headed by Hoang Binh Quan, Politburo member and chairman of the commission, began a three-day working visit to Laos on August 7.

The delegation held talks session with a delegation of the Commission for External Relations of the Lao People Revolutionary Party, headed by Thongloun Sisoulith--Politburo member, Deputy Prime Minister, Foreign Minister and Chairman of the commission.

The two sides informed each other on their socio-economic development and forecast of the impact of the global financial crisis on economic growth and social welfare in each country.

They exchanged views on regional and international issues of mutual concern.

Following Vietnam ’s proposal, the two sides agreed to set up a joint working group to inspect Vietnam ’s ODA projects in Laos . The two commissions will also prepare a the memorandum of understanding on cooperation for the next period to be signed in Laos in 2010.

The two sides highly valued recent developments in friendship and cooperation and agreed to expand exchanges between agencies and localities between the two countries, and boost cooperation in investment and trade, as well as in personnel training.

Thongloun Sisoulith stated that Laos has always considered Vietnam its first strategic priority and that the development and stability of one country is a necessary condition for the development of the other.

He expressed his wish that the two countries, particularly the External Relations Commissions of the two parties, would always cooperate closely at regional and international forums following the foreign policy of openness, diversification and multi-lateralisation./.