Vietnam is determined to preserve and uphold its traditional friendship, special solidarity and comprehensive cooperation with Laos, considering these a valuable asset transferable to younger generations.

State President Nguyen Minh Triet stated this during a reception he hosted on October 28 for Laotian Prime Minister Bouasone Buaphavanh, who is in Hanoi to attend the 17th ASEAN Summit and related meetings later the same day.

Triet congratulated Laos on the achievements it has recorded in maintaining GDP growth, stabilising the socio-economy and improving the people’s living conditions.

The president took this occasion to thank Laos for awarding the National Golden Order to Hanoi on its 1,000 th anniversary.

For his part, Buaphavanh said the Laotian Party, State and people applauded Triet’s visit to Laos in August, which reflected the president’s care to the neighbouring nation and greatly contributed to the sustainable development of bilateral relations.

The PM extended his best regards and deep sympathy to residents in central provinces who have suffered huge losses in life and property due to floods. He also expressed his belief that, with the care of the Vietnamese Party and State, the affected people will soon overcome the consequences and stabilise their lives.

Buaphavanh congratulated Vietnam on the successes the nation has reaped in its capacity as Chair of ASEAN in 2010, stressing that this shows the international community’s confidence in Vietnam and will help to improve its position in regional and international forums.

The leader also stated that Laos will continue to work closely with Vietnam and contribute to the success of the 17th ASEAN Summit and other related meetings./.