Laos and Vietnam have discussed ways to boost their longstanding ties of friendship and comprehensive cooperation in politics, diplomacy, economics, trade, investment, culture, health care and education. The talks occurred at a meeting between Lao Prime Minister Bouasone Bouphavanh and his counterpart, Nguyen Tan Dung, on Wednesday in Hanoi, Vietnam. According to the Viet Nam News, the meeting between the two leaders has resulted in the signing of an agreement on air transportation. Both Lao and Vietnamese prime ministers witnessed the signing of a protocol which will enhance cross-border transportation. The two sides are also working to establish important legal frameworks to boost trade and business exchange between the two countries. The Vietnamese leader raised Laos’ socio-economic development achievements so far this year. The two sides also confirmed their determination to complete the Lao-Vietnamese cooperation strategy for the 2011-20 term and bilateral cooperation agreements for the next five years. Bilateral trade volume is expected to reach US$2 billion by 2015.
Source: Vientiane Times
