Vietnam and Laos issued a joint communique in Laos' capital Vientiane, confirming their determination to promote the friendly and all-round cooperative relations between the two countries, Vietnamese media reported Friday.

The communique was issued on Thursday at the four-day official goodwill visit to Laos by General Secretary of the Communist Party of Vietnam Central Committee Nong Duc Manh, who left the country on Friday, according to newspaper People.

"Politically, in 2007, the two sides will maintain periodical meetings by high-ranking officials and co-ordinate in compiling the history on the special relations and militant alliance between the two countries on the occasion of the 45th anniversary of establishing diplomatic ties and the 30th anniversary of signing the Vietnam-Laos Friendship and Cooperation Treaty," said the communique.

Economically, the two sides will continue to cooperate in reducing poverty, boosting goods production, encouraging major economic groups of their respective countries to invest in areas that bring benefits to both sides.

Also, they will push up cooperation in developing industrial crops, mining, energy and other important fields, further connect the transport, post and telecommunications infrastructure between the two countries, develop the border-gate economy, and strive to quickly increase bilateral trade value.

"Vietnam will continue to create the most favorable conditions for Lao goods to enter a third country.. The Vietnamese side is willing to meet Laos' requirements in education and training.. Vietnam totally supports Laos' bid to join the Asia-Pacific Economic Cooperation and the World Trade Organization," said the communique.

The two countries will promote security and defense cooperation, maintain social order and security, and join hand in building the Vietnam-Laos border line into the border of friendship, cooperation, comprehensive development and long-term sustainability.

During his visit, Manh held talks with General Secretary of the Lao People's Revolutionary Party and Lao President Choummaly Sayasonethe, and met with Lao Prime Minister Bouasone Bouphavanh and President of the National Assembly of Laos Thongsing Thammavong.

Source: Xinhua