President: Vietnam, Laos strive to develop relations practically High-ranking leaders of Vietnam and Laos have agreed to give the top priority to developing and lifting the two countries’ relationship to a new height in a practical, effective and quality manner, President Tran Dai Quang has said. Quang granted an interview to the media on the two countries’ traditional friendship, special solidarity and comprehensive cooperation and their collaboration prospects on the occasion of the 55th anniversary of bilateral diplomatic ties (September 5, 1962-2017). He stated the Vietnam-Laos relationship, which was founded by Vietnamese President Ho Chi Minh and Lao Presidents Kaysone Phomvihane and Souphanouvong and nurtured by generations of the two countries’ leaders and people, was tested through the two resistance wars against colonialists and imperialists and has been consolidated and developed. This is a valuable treasure and an important factor ensuring the success of the revolutionary cause in each country, he affirmed. The countries’ development history shows that without this special relationship, their past struggles for national liberation as well as the current nation building and safeguarding cause could not gain great achievements.   State President Tran Dai Quang. Moreover, the relationship has contributed to peace, cooperation, stability and development in the region and the world, he added. Regarding important milestones in the bilateral ties over the past 55 years, President Quang described September 5, 1962 when Vietnam and Laos set up their diplomatic ties as a major historical event and a key milestone in the two countries’ relations. On December 2, 1975, the Lao People's Democratic Republic was born, marking the victory of the Lao people as well as of the special relations and fighting alliance between Laos and Vietnam. Since 1975, the bilateral relations have entered a new chapter – the era of comprehensive cooperation between the two Parties, States, and peoples. On July 18, 1977, they signed a Treaty of Amity and Cooperation and another Treaty on National Border Demarcation, lifting their ties to a new height. According to Quang, over the past 55 years, despite complicated developments in the regional and global situations, the Vietnam-Laos time-honoured friendship, special solidarity and all-round cooperation have developed extensively and effectively. Cooperation mechanisms, especially at the high-ranking level, have been consolidated, with growth seen in political, defence, security and economic collaboration. As of April, Vietnam had run 408 projects totalling 3.7 billion USD, ranking third among countries investing in Laos. In addition, Vietnam and Laos have also coordinated closely at regional and international forums, thus helping increase each country’s position and prestige in the region and the world, he added. President Quang expressed his belief that under the sound leadership of the Communist Party of Vietnam and the Lao People’s Revolutionary Party, the bilateral relations will continue to be consolidated and developed sustainably. VNA