Leaders of Viet Nam, Laos prepare for landmark year

HA NOI (VNS)— Leaders from Viet Nam and Laos gathered yesterday to outline future development plans and make arrangements for the two countries' 2012 Friendship Year celebrations.

Politburo member and Deputy Prime Minister Nguyen Xuan Phuc met with his Lao counterpart Somsavad Lengsavad during his working visit to Viet Nam.

The two, who are also chairmen of the two countries' Inter-Government Sub-Committees for Co-operation, made preparations for the meeting of the Inter-Government Committee due to be held in Viet Nam later this year.

They also discussed measures to enhance the bilateral solidarity and co-operation relations, as well as the arrangements for activities marking the Vietnam-Laos Friendship and Solidarity Year 2012.

Phuc used the occassion to congratulate his Lao counterpart for co-authoring a book on the Viet Nam-Laos alliance during the resistance war, asserting that the book would educate young generations on the two nations' historic bond. — VNS