(VOVworld) – General Secretary of the Communist Party of Vietnam Nguyen Phu Trong begins an official visit to Laos on Thursday at the invitation of Lao Party General Secretary and President Bounnhang Volachith. This is an important event in strengthening bilateral relations.

Lao Party General Secretary and President Bounnhang Volachith invites General Secretary of the Communist Party of Vietnam Nguyen Phu Trong to monitor the honour guards

This is the first foreign trip by Party leader Nguyen Phu Trong after the 12^th National Party Congress. The visit illustrates loyal solidarity and special friendship between the two countries and generates momentum for prosperity in both countries.

More effective cooperation

Vietnam and Laos have continuously strengthened their relationship in all sectors. They have carried out agreements by their Parties and States and commitments made at the 38^th meeting of the Intergovernmental Committee on bilateral cooperation.

Political relations have been fostered. The two countries have exchanged information on Party building and socio-economic management and enhanced communications on bilateral traditional friendship. Cooperation on national defense, security, and diplomacy has been deepened. Vietnam and Laos are preparing for the 55^th anniversary of diplomatic ties and the 40^th anniversary in 2017 of Vietnam-Laos Friendship and Cooperation.

Economic cooperation has prospered thanks to trade incentive policies by both. Two-way trade revenue from January to September reached 600 million USD. Vietnam has invested in 266 projects in Laos totaling 5.5 billion USD, generating jobs in Laos and contributing to local social security. The Vietnamese language has been taught at schools and agencies in Laos. More than 12,000 Laotian students and officials are studying in Vietnam, while an increasing number of Vietnamese students have enrolled in Laos.

Promoting traditional friendship in the new period

Both countries have maintained annual meetings at all levels, committed to enhance bilateral relations in the new period, and agreed to promptly handle issues relating to each country’s interest and security.

Party leader Nguyen Phu Trong’s visit to Laos has affirmed Vietnam’s consistent policy of fostering the special solidarity, trustful bonding, and comprehensive cooperation with Laos as well as Vietnam’s support for Laos’ national construction and defense.