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Vietnam, Laos discuss trade, economy, border markers

Vietnam will work with Laos to boost trade and promote economic co-operation, and both countries will focus on social and economic development along their common border.

Both governments will also give priority to the installation of border markers between the two countries in order to build a borderline of peace and friendship and facilitate trading activities.

These pledges were made by Prime Minister Phan Van Khai while receiving the visiting Lao Deputy Prime Minister and Foreign Minister Somsavat Lengsavad in Hanoi at the weekend.

Prime Minister Khai also assured his guest that Vietnam is willing to share its experiences and to continue training Lao cadres, as well as assisting Laos to improve its agriculture.

Deputy Prime Minister Somsavat proposed that the Vietnamese government maintain its training programme, including the teaching of the Lao language to Vietnamese students and Vietnamese language to Lao students.

He also asked Mr Khai to continue educating Lao farmers on hybrid rice and maize farming techniques.

Earlier last week, Mr Somsavat presented Vietnam's Foreign Ministry with Laos' first-class Freedom Order.

The honour was awarded to acknowledge the contribution made by the Foreign Ministry's officials and staff to the enhancement of the special solidarity and comprehensive co-operation between the two parties, governments and peoples over the past 40 years.

Meanwhile, in Vientiane last week, the Vietnam Fatherland Front (VFF) and the Lao Front for National Reconstruction (LFNR) discussed ways to further promote their friendship and co-operation.

Mr Huynh Dam, member of the Communist Party of Vietnam's Central Committee and general secretary of the VFF Central Committee, and Khamphoi Chanphasuk, the LFNR's permanent vice president vowed to step up the exchanges of delegations at all levels, and to mobilise people living in the provinces along the Vietnam - Laos border lo build a peaceful and friendly border zone.

Mr Dam presented the office of the LFNR with 10 computers as a gift from the VFF Central Committee. (VNS)