Party leader affirms close ties with Cambodia, Laos

Party General Secretary Nong Duc Manh has affirmed Vietnam’s consistent policy of developing relations with Cambodia and Laos and its determination to lift those relations to new heights.

Mr Manh made the affirmation while receiving a high-ranking delegation from Laos headed by Saman Vinhaket, a politburo member of the Lao People’s Revolutionary Party Central Committee, and another delegation from Cambodia led by Permanent Deputy Prime Minister Men Sam An, in Hanoi on May 18.

The two delegations are in Vietnam to attend celebrations of late President Ho Chi Minh’s 119^th birthday and the 50^th anniversary of the legendary Ho Chi Minh Trail.

Mr Manh thanked the Parties, States and people of Cambodia and Laos for their valuable assistance to Vietnam during the latter’s past struggle for national construction and defence. He said Vietnam is determined to build the Ho Chi Minh Trail into the road of friendship, solidarity and comprehensive cooperation between the three countries.

He applauded the achievements made by the Cambodian and Lao people in various fields, which he said will help encourage the Party, State and people of Vietnam during their Doi Moi (Renewal) process.

Mr Manh said he hopes that relevant ministries, agencies and localities of Vietnam, Laos and Cambodia will work closely to effectively implement bilateral agreements and treaties signed by their top leaders.

Both Saman Vinhakhet and Men Sam An affirmed that the Parties, States and people of Cambodia and Laos will do their best to strengthen their traditional friendship, solidarity and comprehensive cooperation with Vietnam.