Vietnam will do its utmost to foster close fraternal relations with Laos, a senior Vietnamese diplomat said at a reception in Hanoi on August 30 for Lao Ambassador to Vietnam Somphone Sichalenne, who came to congratulate the 67 th anniversary of the August Revolution and the National Day of Vietnam.

Deputy Foreign Minister Le Luong Minh also highly valued the Lao embassy and Vietnamese Foreign Ministry’s cooperation in promoting traditional friendship, special solidarity and comprehensive cooperation between the two countries over the past time, especially in holding activities to celebrate the Vietnam – Laos Solidarity and Friendship Year 2012, the 50 th anniversary of the two countries’ diplomatic ties and 35 years of the signing of the Vietnam – Laos Friendship and Cooperation Treaty.

Sichalenne thanked Vietnamese leaders, including those at the foreign ministry, for creating favourable conditions for the Lao embassy to fulfill its assigned tasks.

He pledged to closely work with the ministry to promote the two countries’ cooperation, contributing to the common success of the Vietnam – Laos Solidarity and Friendship Year 2012.-VNA