Xinhua Asia-Pacific news summary at 1600 GMT, March 23

VIENTIANE -- Chinese Ambassador to Laos Wang Wentian on Friday said the Lancang-Mekong Cooperation (LMC) has entered the phase of further growth from the phase of nurturing.

Wang made the remarks when addressing the LMC Week held in the Lao capital of Vientiane. (Laos-China-LMC Week)

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LASHKAR GAH, Afghanistan -- At least 14 people were killed and 50 others wounded when a blast ripped through a sports stadium in Afghanistan's southern province of Helmand on Friday, when people were celebrating Afghan New Year, authorities said.

The incident occurred at the evening when a suspected suicide car bombing struck Ghazi Mohammad Ayoub Stadium in the province's capital city Lashkar Gah, provincial government spokesman Omar Zwak told Xinhua. (Afghanistan-Explosion)

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ISLAMABAD -- Pakistan celebrated the 78th Republic Day on Friday with traditional zeal and fervor, local media reported.

The Pakistan Day is celebrated to mark the Lahore Resolution, also known as Pakistan Resolution, which was passed on March 23, 1940, as a major milestone in the subcontinent's Muslim struggle for an independent state. (Pakistan-Republic Day)

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HANOI -- Vietnam and Russia will strengthen cooperation and reinforce the comprehensive strategic partnership between the two countries, officials from both sides said on Friday.

Vietnamese Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Foreign Affairs Pham Binh Minh made the remarks at a joint press briefing in Hanoi on Friday after holding talks with visiting Russian Foreign Minister Sergei Lavrov. (Vietnam-Russia-Ties) Enditem