(VOVworld)- The Vietnamese delegation to the United Nations on Tuesday held a banquette in honor of the Lao delegation on the occasion of the Vietnamese traditional lunar New Year festival. In his address, Head of the Vietnamese delegation Nguyen Trung Thanh highlighted the close relationship, solidarity and comprehensive cooperation between the two countries. He congratulated Laos for becoming the 158^th member of the World Trade Organization and successfully organizing the 9^th Asia- Europe Meeting in Vientiane. Thanh said these events were of great importance for Laos’ international integration reflecting its achievements and increasing international prestige. Lao Ambassador Yong Chanthalangsy said 2012 was a significant year for both countries. He expressed his delight at the fine development of the bilateral relationship over the past half a century since the two countries established their diplomatic ties.