Prime Minister Nguyen Tan Dung held talks with Lao counterpart, Bouasone Bouphavanh in Hanoi on September 15 to review the results of previous agreements between the two countries’ leaders. They also discussed measures to boost the traditional ties of friendship and comprehensive co-operation in politics, diplomacy, economics, trade, investment, culture, health care and education.

Mr Dung and Mr Bouphavanh agreed to continue exchanging high-ranking visits to enhance bilateral comprehensive co-operation and determined to complete a co-operative strategy between Vietnam and Laos as well as a bilateral co-operation agreement in the 2011-2020 period. Topics included co-operation in economics, trade, investment, culture, education, transport, health care, agriculture, hydroelectricity, post, industrial plantation and mining. The two sides will devise measures to increase two-way trade turnover to US$2 billion in 2015, said the two PMs.

They said they were determined to complete land border demarcation by 2014 and encourage businesses to invest in border areas. They also agreed to support each other at regional and international forums.

PM Bouphavanh affirmed that Laos encourages and creates the best conditions for Vietnamese businesses to invest in Laos, especially in Xieng Khouang andd Huaphan provinces and gives priority to human resources training.

PM Dung proposed the two sides complete a project to improve the quality of co-operation in education and human resources training, especially opening Vietnamese Department at the Laos National University.

After the talks, the two PMs witnessed a signing ceremony of an aviation agreement, a protocol to create favourable condition for road vehicles traveling via border lines and a memorandum of understanding on aviation transport.

PM Dung hosted a banquet to welcome his Lao counterpart and his entourage.

*** State President Nguyen Minh Triet also met with PM Bouphavanh on the same day. Mr Triet affirmed Vietnam is set on maintaining and promoting the traditional ties of comprehensive co-operation between the two countries. He said he considered it a decisive factor for the success of national construction and protection in both countries as well as a valuable asset to both nations.

Mr Triet expressed his pleasure at the fine development of co-operation between the two countries. He proposed that the Lao Government should strengthen inspection and supervision so Vietnamese projects will be carried out more effectively in Laos.

Mr Bouphavanh emphasised the two governments will work closely with each other to accelerate the implementation of agreements and continue to devise measures to fully exploit the potential and strength of each country.

He praised Vietnam’s successful role as ASEAN and AIPA president in 2010 and asserted that Laos supports Vietnam’s initiatives in ASEAN.