Presidential visit to deepen VN-Laos ties

HA NOI — President Truong Tan Sang starts his official friendship visit to Laos today, in a trip that is expected to consolidate and further strengthen the special solidarity and friendship between the two neighbouring countries.

The three-day visit will be the first to Laos by Sang as the President of Viet Nam, as well as the first event in a series of activities celebrating the Year of Viet Nam-Laos Solidarity and Friendship 2012.

Since Viet Nam and Laos established diplomatic ties on September 5, 1962, the traditional friendship and comprehensive co-operation between the two nations have been continuously consolidated and developed.

Viet Nam has maintained its role as the second largest investor in Laos, with 224 projects totalling US$3.57 billion, focusing on mining, electricity, agriculture and services.

The two countries are striving to raise their two-way trade to $1 billion this year and $2 billion in 2015.

The further development of solidarity and traditional co-operation between the two countries' localities has helped ensure social security along the border and effectively settle emerging issues to build a borderline of peace, stability and development.

Besides bilateral ties, the two sides have also regularly exchanged information on international issues and co-ordinated through activities of the Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN), organisations and multilateral co-operation forums, as well as enhanced co-operation and jointly utilised Mekong River water resources.

Viet Nam has actively shared its experiences with Laos in organising major events and in international integration. — VNS