State President Nguyen Minh Triet on March 30 held a reception for Lao Vice President Bounnhang Volachit and his entourage at the Presidential Palace in Hanoi.

During the function, President Triet congratulated the Lao people for their achievements thus far in the cause of national construction and development.

The Lao economy has grown significantly while security and national defence have been maintained and its prestige and position on the international arena boosted, especially after its successful organisation of the 25th SEA Games - a major sporting event for the region, he added.

The president expressed delight at the traditional friendship, solidarity and comprehensive cooperation between Vietnam and Laos , saying that he hopes the visit will further contribute to strengthening bilateral relations.

Lao Vice President Volachit informed President Triet that during his previous talks with Vice President Nguyen Thi Doan, the two sides exchanged ideas on measures for improving bileteral ties.

On the same day, Vice President Volachit also met with Vietnam’s National Assembly Chairman Nguyen Phu Trong. He said the entire people of Laos will exert their best efforts to tighten the special solidarity between the two parties, states and peoples.

He expressed the wish that the NA share its experience and help Laos in law building./.