On the way to Vietnam from Savannakhet, Manh cabled a message of thanks to Khamtay Siphandone, Chairman of the Lao People's Revolutionary Party (LPRP) and President of Laos.

He said he believed that with the two countries' aspirations and determination expressed in the March 26 Vietnam-Laos joint declaration and agreements reached between the Party and State leaders of the two nations, the Vietnam-Laos special friendship, solidarity and comprehensive cooperation will continue to be consolidated and developed.

On Mar. 25, the Vietnamese Party leaders visited Savannakhet province, the native land of late President Kaysone Phoumvihane, who together with late President Ho Chi Minh built and fostered the Vietnam-Laos special relationship.

He called on President Kaysone Phoumvihane's memorial house on the morning of Mar. 26.

He was welcomed by Chairman Silua Bounkham and other officials of the province.

Manh expressed his joy at witnessing the great changes in the province and its effective cooperation with Vietnam's provinces, especially central Quang Tri province.

He said he hoped that Savannakhet, with its geographical advantages of sharing a border with Vietnam and lying along the East-West corridor, will enhance its cooperative ties with provinces in Vietnam.

He said the Vietnamese Party and State will create the most favourable conditions for Vietnamese provinces and businesses to promote cooperation with Savannakhet.

Manh also visited the Vietnam-built ethnic boarding school and other economic establishments in the province.

Meeting with overseas Vietnamese in Savannakhet, the Party leader praised their contributions to the nation.

He urged the Vietnamese nationals to maintain good relations with people in Savannakhet in particular and Lao people in general while abiding by the two countries' policies, thus contributing to the loyal friendship between the two nations.

(Source: Vietnam News Agency)