2012 is a year of extremely special significance for the relationship between Viet Nam and Laos. It is observed by leaders of the two Parties and peoples as “The Year of Viet Nam-Laos, Laos- Viet Nam friendship solidarity” to celebrate two important events. The events include the 50th anniversary of the establishment of diplomatic relations (5 Sept 1962-5 Sept 2012) and the 35th anniversary of the signing of the Agreement on Friendship and Cooperation (18 July 1977- 18 July 2012).

Looking back at the development of the relations of Viet Nam and Laos from the period of struggle for national independence to national construction, international integration and advancing to socialism, it is possible to see that each step forward, each victory of the each country has been closely associated with the development of the traditional friendship, special solidarity and comprehensive cooperation between the two countries. They are precious tradition, law of development, invincible strength and invaluable asset of the two nations.

The relations between Viet Nam and Laos have unceasingly developed and fostered. They are exemplary, faithful, pure and rarely found in international relations. Rarely have such countries like Viet Nam and Laos which have regularly exchanged high-level Party and State delegations. These visits of important significance have facilitated learning from each other and exchanges of experience in leading the renovation process, national construction and defense, theoretical and practical issues, Party building and strengthening of administration at grassroots level.

Special attention has been given to consolidate and promote economic cooperation so that it is on par with potential and political relations between the two countries. Currently, Viet Nam is the second biggest investors in Laos with more than 400 projects and total prescribed capital of almost US$ 5 billion. Two-way trade turnover has increased to US$ 734 million in 2011. Viet Nam has become the third largest trade partner of Laos. Both sides have striven to achieve a two-way trade turnover of US$ 1 billion in 2012 and US$ 2 billion in 2015.

Educational cooperation to train human resources for national construction is of long-term strategic significance to both countries. Each year, Viet Nam provided from 600 to 700 short-term and long-term scholarships to Laos. At present, approximately 6000 Lao student are studying at universities and colleges in Viet Nam and almost 500 Vietnamese students are studying at Lao universities. Cooperation in national defense and security has been effective, contributing to ensure political stability and social security in each country. Efforts have been made to build border areas into border of peace, friendship, cooperation and development. Both sides have set store by exchange of experience in international and regional integration, participation in multilateral entities; trilateral coordination of Viet Nam-Laos and Cambodia in expediting the Triangle of development; exchange of information and consultation in implementing East-West Corridor project; Mekong Sub-regional cooperation and in training of cadres.

Amid continued complex development of international and regional situation, opportunities and challenges, imbued with ideology of President Ho chi Minh, with highest determination and efforts of both Parties, States and people, Viet Nam and Laos are confident that the traditional friendship relations, special solidarity, comprehensive cooperation between the two countries will be forever treasured and fostered. That relationship will constantly bear fruits for the interest of the two peoples for peace, stability, cooperation and development in the region and the world./.