Vietnam and Laos have agreed to increase cooperation, founded on political relations and focussed on economic effectiveness and the consolidation of the two countries’ relationship.

The agreement was reached at talks between Vice State President Nguyen Thi Doan and her visiting Lao counterpart Bounnhang Vorachit in Hanoi on March 29.

The talks were held following a State welcoming ceremony at the Presidential Palace on the same day.

Vice President Doan congratulated the Lao People’s Revolutionary Party (LPRP) (March 22) on its 55th founding anniversary, and extended best wishes on the occasion of the Lao traditional Tet, Bunpimay. She also praised the successful organisation of the 25th SEA Games, a major regional sporting event, which she said helped boost Laos ’s prestige and position in the region and the world.

The two sides updated each other on the state of affairs in their respective countries and expressed their delight at the in-depth development of the special and comprehensive relationship between Vietnam and Laos .

Both sides confirmed the determination of their Parties, States and peoples to maintain and develop their fine relations as well as the trust between the two leaders and peoples.

The two sides vowed to implement the agreements reached between them on enhancing their political ties and cooperation on security and defence as well as the exchange of delegations from the central to local levels.

Both sides reached unanimity on promoting the compilation of the history of Vietnam-Laos special relations, on building a President Ho Chi Minh commemorative zone in Laos and continuing to search for the remains of Vietnamese volunteers in Laos.

The two sides also agreed to build their common border into the border of peace, friendship and cooperation and to accelerate the pace of a project to upgrade the system of border markers between Vietnam and Laos .

They also concurred on facilitating the flow of transit goods, increasing two-way trade and educating all strata of the people of the two countries, especially younger generations, on the Vietnam-Laos traditional relations, special solidarity and comprehensive cooperation.

The two sides agreed to closely coordinate to successfully organise events of major significant in the two countries this year, including the 1,000th anniversary of Thang Long-Hanoi, the 120th birthday of President Ho Chi Minh, the 450th anniversary of Vientiane, and the 90th birthday of President Kaysone Phomvihane.

Both sides expressed their delight and agreement on closely and effectively collaborating in the exchange of information and activities at regional and international forums.

Also the same day, Vice President Doan hosted a banquet in honour of Vice President Bounnhang Vorachit and her entourage, who are on a three-day official visit to Vietnam beginning on March 28.

Earlier, Vice President Bounnhang Vorachit, who is also a member of the Politburo Bureau and the Secretariat of the LPRP Central Committee, and her entourage went on a working tour to the northern mountain province of Vinh Phuc./.