President Truong Tan Sang on March 11 hosted a reception in Hanoi for visiting Lao National Assembly Vice Chairman Somphan Phengkhammy.

The Lao guest briefed the host of outcomes of his working session with officials of the Vietnamese National Assembly.

He said the visit aims to exchange legislative experiences and learn from the operation of local People’s Councils in Vietnam , thus making preparations for the upcoming elections of the Lao People’s Councils.

For his part, President Sang said the Vietnam – Laos relations have made great strides in politics and economics, adding that their bilateral trade turnover has been increasing. Both sides have also worked closely at national and international forums and enjoyed intensified cooperation in various fields at all levels.

The State leader expressed his belief that Laos will continue to be an active member of ASEAN, particularly by successfully chairing rotary meetings among Vietnam, Laos and Cambodia and the ASEAN Inter-Parliamentary Assembly meeting.-VNA