Vietnam is seeking to further expand co-operation with Laos in agriculture and rural development, particularly in areas such as agricultural technology, training, investment and trade, reports Yahoo.

Minister of Agriculture and Rural Development Cao Duc Phat held talks with his Lao counterpart, Sitaheng Rasaphone, in Hanoi on 27 October.

Reviewing recent co-operation, Phat and his guest agreed that between 2007 and 2008, the two ministries units and localities worked closely together in implementing joint projects in agriculture and rural development.

The two countries jointly organised three bird flu prevention training courses in Laos and two additional courses for Lao officials in Vietnam.

In addition, Vietnam presented 25,000 doses of bird flu vaccine to Laos.

The two sides plan to continue strengthening co-operation in work on animal quarantine during 2009 through the exchange of information relating to cattle and poultry diseases.