Lao Deputy Prime Minister Thongloune Sisoulith made the comment at a meeting with reporters in Vientiane on May 18 to mark the 45th anniversary of Laos-Vietnam diplomatic ties (May 5) and the 30th anniversary of the signing of the Laos-Vietnam Friendship and Cooperation Treaty (July 18).

He said that the establishment of diplomatic ties between the two countries in 1962 created favourable conditions for assistance and support from the Vietnamese Party, State and people to the struggle of the Lao people in the past.

Deputy PM Thongloune Sisoulith went on to say that the treaty has played an important role in the two countries’ cooperation in economy, culture, society, science and technology, as well as in strengthening national defence and security.

He stressed the importance of regular cooperation and exchange between the two sides at international forums, which has helped raise their positions in the international arena.