Vientiane (VNA) – Laos and Vietnam need tofocus more on developing trade ties for mutual benefits, Lao Party GeneralSecretary and President Bounnhang Volachith suggested to the new VietnameseAmbassador to Laos, Nguyen Ba Hung.

At a reception after the ambassador presented his letter ofcredentials on December 28, the Lao leader said the two countries’ economicties have failed to keep pace with the development of bilateral politicalrelations.

He said Hung takes office with a series of major eventsahead, adding they are both a heavy task and a good start for the Vietnamesediplomat to make his contribution to consolidating the special relationshipbetween the two countries.

These events include the 39th session of the Vietnam-Laosinter-governmental committee as well as the celebration of the 55th anniversaryof diplomatic ties and 40 years since the signing of the Vietnam-LaosFriendship and Cooperation Treaty. All are scheduled to take place in 2017.

Bounnhang Volachith expressed his confidence in Hung’scompetence in fostering the special relationships betweenthe two parties, governments and peoples.

For his part, Hung said he is honoured to take up theposition at a time when the two countries are preparing for a number of majorevents between them.

The Vietnamese diplomat pledged to do his utmost to cementthe bilateral friendship towards effective and practical outcomes acrossmultilateral spheres.-VNA