Laos, Vietnam seeks to boost cooperative relations
Lao and Vietnamese leaders have discussed a number of issues in a move to consolidate the cooperative relations, friendship and special solidarity between the two countries. At a meeting held between Lao Minister of Foreign Affairs Mr Saleumxay Kommasith and his visiting Vietnamese counterpart Pham Binh Minh on December 26, the two sides discussed issues related to political cooperation, economics, defence, and border and public security. Mr Pham Binh Minh, who is also Deputy Prime Minister of Vietnam, paid an official visit to Laos from December 24-26. The two leaders reviewed their cooperation over the past year before discussing ways to bolster future cooperation. They also exchanged views on regional and international issues of mutual interest. In 2017, the two nations will hold activities to mark the 65th anniversary of Laos-Vietnam diplomatic ties and the 40th anniversary of the Treaty of Amity and Cooperation between Laos and Vietnam. Following the bilateral talks, Mr Saleumxay was awarded an honorary doctorate degree by the Party Central Committee’s Commission for External Relations of Vietnam, in a ceremony attended by Mr Pham Binh Minh.
