VIENTIANE, June 12, 2016 (Xinhua) -- Vietnamese President Tran Dai Quang (L front) meets with Lao Prime Minister Thongloun Sisoulith (R front) in Vientiane, capital of Laos, June 12, 2016. Cooperation to prevent cross-border crimes of human trafficking, illegal exploitation of natural resources and the smuggling of drugs and other illicit goods were areas for discussion as Vietnamese President Tran Dai Quang began a three-day state visit to neighboring Laos Sunday. (Xinhua/KPL)
VIENTIANE, June 12 (Xinhua) -- Cooperation to prevent cross-border crimes of human trafficking, illegal exploitation of natural resources and the smuggling of drugs and other illicit goods were areas for discussion as Vietnamese President Tran Dai Quang began a three-day state visit to neighboring Laos Sunday.
The visit comes in response to an invitation by Lao President Bounnhang Vorachit who also serves as secretary-general of the ruling Lao People's Revolutionary Party (LPRP).
The two leaders also agreed to strengthen bilateral cooperation on soft and hard infrastructure in the form of improved quality education exchanges and the development and improvement of regional roads to aid connectivity between the two nations during their meeting at Vientiane's Presidential Palace.
The meeting comes after their previous encounter in Hanoi on April 25 which came during Bounnhang's state visit to Vietnam after both men were elevated to respective leadership positions in the two countries.
According to Lao News Agency KPL, the state visit from June 12-14 is "to enhance the longstanding friendly relations, special solidarity and comprehensive cooperation between Laos and Vietnam."
The Vietnamese president also held talks with' Lao Prime Minister Thongloun Sisoulith and National Assembly President Pany Yathotou.
