The traditional friendship, special solidarity and comprehensive cooperation between Vietnam and Laos witnessed significant strides from politics, defense, and security to economics, culture, education and science-technology, a diplomat has said.

Addressing a pre-Tet celebration in Vientiane on January 20, Vietnamese Ambassador to Laos Nguyen Ba Hung said 2016 was a significant and eventful year for Vietnam and Laos when both countries overcame numerous difficulties and challenges to obtain remarkable outcomes in various fields such as politics, economics, and defense-security.

The year 2017 will continue to be important for Vietnam and Laos as the two nations are celebrating the 55th founding anniversary of diplomatic ties and the 40th anniversary of the signing of the bilateral Treaty of Amity and Cooperation.

Governor of Vientiane Sinlavong Khutphaythoune said the Lao Party, Government and people are glad to see attainments that Vietnam has gained in the cause of national defence, construction and development, which will be an important foundation for the country to realise its goal of modernisation and industrialisation soon as well as build a just, democratic and civilised society.

He took this occasion to thank the Vietnamese Party, State and people for their valuable assistance in the past and at present, and expressed his belief that the bilateral time-honoured friendship, special solidarity and comprehensive collaboration will continuously thrive for the sake of the two peoples.

VNA