Laos President Choumaly Sayasone and Vietnamese President Nguyen Minh Triet

The two communist neighbors, Laos and Vietnam, have agreed to do a new survey and demarcation of their 2,067 kilometer-long common border, because the old demarcation was not clear-cut in some areas, resulting in border disputes.

The two allies have enjoyed a special relationship for the past 30 years. Officials say their special cooperation has expanded in all areas, especially in trade and investment with Vietnam's investment in Laos now reaching over one billion dollars. Bilateral trade reached 230 million dollars in 2006, but the two nations pledge to increase it to over one billion dollars by 2010.

Laos' Deputy Prime Minister and Foreign Minister Thongloun Sisoulith

Laos Foreign Minister Thongloun Sisoulith

says Vietnam has provided many assistances to Laos to help in its national development, including building infrastructures and providing Laos' access to sea.

Listen to our Laos Today report for more details in Lao.