A high-ranking delegation of the Federation Council of Russia led by Chairperson Valentina Ivanovna Matviyenko paid a two- day official visit to Laos from September 19.

During talks with the Russian guests on September 20, the Chairwoman of the Lao National Assembly Pani Zathotou hailed the visit’s significance to the bilateral relation. She also expressed her gratitude to the people of the Soviet Union in the past and Russia at present for their support of Laos over the past years. Over 7,000 Lao intellectuals who graduated from Russian universities are now holding key positions in Laos, she added.

Matviyenko underlined the time-honoured friendship and cooperation between the two countries and affirmed that Russia will promote investment in Laos in fields of two sides’ strength.

The two parliamentary leaders discussed cooperation between two nations in general and legislative organisations in particular. They also shared experience in state and social management by the tool of law, adding that the two legislative bodies should increase their affiliation, especially with regard to the exchange of information and professional skills.

During their visit, the delegation also paid courtesy visits to General Secretary of the Lao People’s Revolutionary Party and President Choummaly Sayasone and Prime Minister Thongsing Thammavong.-VNA