President extends condolences to Saudi Arabia

President Truong Tan Sang on June 18 extended condolences to King Abdullah bin Abdul Aziz Al Saud of Saudi Arabia following the death of Crown Prince and first Deputy Prime Minister Nayef bin Abdul Aziz Al Saud.

Vietnam, Laos liaise on public administration

Vietnam and Laos have agreed to cooperate more on issues concerning civil servants, public affairs, local authority management and administrative reforms.

A memorandum of understanding (MoU) to this effect was signed between the Ministries of Home Affairs of the two countries in Hanoi on June 18.

Under the MoU, both ministries will increase the exchange of information and experience in fields of their charge as well as visits by senior level officials and specialists.

The Vietnamese Ministry of Home Affairs will provide professional assistance to its Lao counterpart by sending specialists to help draw up policies and laws for this field.

Vietnam will also offer one month training courses for 20 Lao officials each year.

Speaking at the signing ceremony, Laos Minister for Home Affairs Khampan Philavong praised Vietnam for supporting Laos General Department of Administration and Civil Servant Management (now the Ministry for Home Affairs).

He said he hoped that Vietnam will continue to support and work with Laos ’ newly established Ministry for Home Affairs to help it to create an effective and efficient administration.

According to Vietnam’s Minister for Home Affairs Nguyen Thai Binh, the two ministries have well implemented their agreements signed in 2002 and 2006, representing solidarity, friendship and mutual assistance between both countries.

Quang Binh reaches out to Lao provinces

Vietnam’s central province of Quang Binh in conjunction with the Lao provinces of Khammoune, Champassak and Savannakhet held a ceremony to mark the 50th anniversary of Vietnamese-Lao diplomatic ties in Dong Hoi City, Quang Binh Province, on June 17.

The event also celebrates the 35th years since the signing of the Vietnam-Laos Friendship and Cooperation Treaty. This is seen as a chance for both countries to review their solidarity and mutual support in general, as well as relations between Quang Binh and the Lao provinces in particular.

September 5, 1962 was a milestone in the special relation between the two Parties, States and peoples, as Vietnam and Laos agreed to establish diplomatic ties, opening up a new chapter in their relationship.

Quang Binh Province has made every effort to strengthen cooperation with Khammoune and Savannakhet provinces in every area.

On June 16, 2012, Quang Binh and Champassak also reached a consensus to establish friendly cooperative ties.

VNN/VNA