HÀ NỘI — Party General Secretary Nguyễn Phú Trọng said yesterday that Việt Nam and Laos should identify concrete measures to ensure quality and progress of Vietnamese projects in Laos, and boost sustainable growth of economic ties. 
At a reception that he hosted in Hà Nội for visiting Lao Prime Minister Thongloun Sisoulith, the latter reiterated his country’s determination to work with Việt Nam on bringing socio-economic co-operation on par with the sound political relations that the two countries enjoy. 
The Lao PM affirmed that his Government would also work closely with Việt Nam in directing ministries, sectors and localities to implement agreements reached by the two countries’ senior Party and State leaders as well as those to be signed during the 39th Meeting of the Việt Nam-Laos Inter-Governmental Committee that he will co-chair in Hà Nội. 
He conveyed New Year wishes from Lao Party General Secretary and President Bounhang Volachith to the Vietnamese Party chief. 
He also thanked Việt Nam for its long-standing support for Laos. 
Party leader Trọng lauded the effective co-operation between the two Governments in recent times. 
He said that during the 39th Meeting of the Việt Nam-Laos Inter-Governmental Committee, the two sides should actively seek co-ordination measures for realising the aims of Việt Nam-Laos Joint Statements, bilateral agreements and co-operation programmes and plans. 
Trọng also suggested that Việt Nam and Laos strengthen connectivity in economy, transport infrastructure and energy. Both countries should effect positive and practical changes towards improving the quality of education and training co-operation, he said. 
Both leaders expressed their delight at developing special solidarity and comprehensive co-operation between the two countries, saying it would bolster national construction and defence of each country. 
They also pledged to work together to maintain and further promote bilateral ties and educate younger generations on the special relationship between the two nations. — VNS