The city of Can Tho in the Mekong Delta will improve ties with the province of Savannakhet in Laos to spur special relations between Vietnam and its bordering neighbour.

Nguyen Thanh Son, chairman of the city’s People’s Committee, made the comment to visiting Savannakhet delegates led by Deputy Governor Khamphoi Thanthachon on November 7.

The municipal leader spoke highly of the special friendship between Can Tho and Savannakhet, which, he said, has created conditions for businesses to strengthen economically.

The University of Can Tho has trained five Savannakhet students in vital sectors including agriculture and rural development, veterinary science and aquaculture, he added.

Deputy Governor Thanthachon stressed that 2012 marks great milestones in their mutual friendship - the 50th anniversary of bilateral diplomatic ties and 35th anniversary of the Vietnam-Laos Friendship and Cooperation Treaty.

On behalf of the Lao President and Prime Minister, Thanthachon presented Laos’ second-class Freedom (Issara) Order to the municipal Party Committee, People’s Committee, Vietnam Fatherland Front and Department of External Affairs.

Secretary of the municipal Party Committee, Tran Thanh Man, received the second-class Freedom Order, and Chairman of the municipal People’s Committee, Nguyen Thanh Son, the third class.

The University of Can Tho was honoured with the Friendship Medal.-VNA