Vietnam always gives top priority to strengthening the traditional friendship, special solidarity and comprehensive cooperation with Laos, considering the ties as an invaluable asset that should be preserved for future generations.

Prime Minister Nguyen Tan Dung made the remark at a reception for Lao Deputy Prime Minister Somsavath Lengsavad in the central province of Thua Thien-Hue on April 7.

The Lao Deputy PM has been on a working visit to Ho Chi Minh City and several central and southern provinces of Vietnam since April 5.

Dung said Deputy PM Somsavath’s visit is a good chance for the two sides to exchange experiences in socio-economic development and review the implementation of signed agreements.

He shared the joy with Laos over its recent achievements in socio-economic development as well as the fine development of comprehensive cooperation between the two countries in all fields.

The same day, the Lao Deputy PM held talks with his Vietnamese counterpart Nguyen Xuan Phuc.

Both expressed pleasures at the ever-growing Vietnam-Laos relations.

They reviewed the implementation of agreements between the two countries, especially agreements reached at the 34 th meeting of the Inter-governmental Committee. Measures to monitor cooperation projects and the allocation of Vietnam’s non-refundable aid to Laos were also discussed with a view to raising cooperation efficiency between the two countries.

Deputy PM Somsavath expressed thanks to Vietnam for assistance to national construction of Laos .

Also on Apr. 7, Deputy PM Somsavath attended the opening ceremony of Hue Festival.-VNA