VIENTIANE, Feb. 20 (Xinhua) -- Russia's Deputy Foreign Minister Andrey Rudenko and his delegation visited Laos on Feb. 18-19 to strengthen cooperation and relations between the two countries.
According to a Lao National Radio report on Tuesday, Rudenko met with Laos' Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Foreign Affairs Saleumxay Kommasith in Lao capital Vientiane on Monday.
Both officials highly appreciated Lao-Russian cooperation over the past years.
Saleumxay suggested that both sides continue to increase cooperation in various areas in which the two countries are competitive, as well as their cooperation under bilateral and multilateral frameworks.
Rudenko also had a meeting with Lao Deputy Minister of Foreign Affairs Bounleua Phandanouvong.
Both sides discussed Lao-Russia cooperation in the past and directions for years to come. They also exchanged views on regional and international issues of common interest.
The two deputy ministers also agreed to promote the exchange of senior officials and people-to-people exchange between the two countries, and promote cooperation on trade, investment, energy and mines, finance, banking, education, health, tourism, and mutual support at regional and international arena.
During the meeting, Bounleua expressed his sincere thanks to the government and people of the Russian Federation for their support and assistance to Laos. ■
