Iran supports expansion of economic ties with Laos

Iran's President Mahmoud Ahmadinejad called for the development of economic and cultural ties between Tehran and Vientiane.President Ahmadinejad made the remarks in a meeting with new Laotian envoy to Tehran here on Sunday. At the meeting, the president viewed Tehran-Vientiane relations as to be "very positive", and said "the record of the two countries' cooperation is not stained with any negative point". "Today, the bilateral relations between Iran and Laos are mainly underway in the political arena and effort must be made to develop these ties in economic and cultural grounds as well," he reiterated. Ahmadinejad further mentioned that Iran and Laos hold "very close stances on the international scene", and reiterated that "independent countries should assist each other on the path of progress, growth and ending the hegemony of the arrogant powers". The Laotian ambassador, for his part, said his government and nation would never forget the Islamic Republic of Iran's support and aid during the era of its campaign against Imperialism. "Relying on its political stability, Laos has taken successful steps in areas of economic and social development today and is seeking to have expansive relations with Iran, specially in area of economic cooperation," he emphasized.