Laos will release 200 commemorative stamps marking this year's 50th anniversary of diplomatic relations between Laos and China, local media reported on Tuesday.

The stamp was planned to be issued on the anniversary date of April 25, but design delays held back their release to May 22, the state-run Vientiane Times quoted Kieng Khamketh, Director of the Post Office at the Lao National Authority of Post and Telecommunications as saying.

The 200 commemorative stamps were produced by the state-run Lao Post and Telecommunication, featuring both countries' flags, the mythical Lao figures of Grandfather Pounher and Grandmother Ya- nher, who are central characters in the Lao New Year celebrations in mid-April, a white elephant and image of the Chinese traditional lion dance.

Half of the stamps will be sold in Laos and the rest in China. The stamps cost 9,000 Kip (around 1 US dollar).

Kieng said that he believes the stamps will enhance cooperation and friendship between the two countries and peoples.

Laos issued its first postage stamps in 1951.