Diplomatic relations were established between the USSR and Laos on Oct. 7, 1960. The two countries signed agreements on trade (Dec. 1, 1962), on payments (Dec. 1, 1962), on economic and technical assistance in the construction of a hydroelectric power plant on the Nam Nhiep River (Dec. 1, 1962), on building, as a gift, a hospital and a radio station in Vientiane (Dec. 1, 1962), on air transportation (Mar. 30, 1970), and on granting economic aid to the Provisional government of National Unity of Laos (Jan. 4, 1975).