Southeast Asia Information Port (www.dnyxxg.com) – Laos and the Philippines recently reached a consensus to deepen cooperation in areas such as clean energy, modern agriculture, trade, investment, and tourism, aiming to inject new momentum into the economic development of both countries and allow their people to share more tangible benefits.
This consensus stems from the official visit of Lao Foreign Minister Thongsavanh Phomvihane to the Philippines from August 13th to 14th, at the invitation of Philippine Foreign Minister Maharashtra Theresa P. Lazzaro. Notably, this visit coincided with the 70th anniversary of the establishment of diplomatic relations between the two countries, adding special significance to this friendship spanning more than half a century.
During the visit, the two ministers held talks, comprehensively reviewing the achievements of cooperation in numerous fields including politics, defense, security, trade, investment, tourism, agriculture, energy, science and technology and communications, education, and culture, and unanimously agreed to further strengthen cooperation on this basis. The Lao Ministry of Foreign Affairs mentioned in a press release that the two sides also exchanged in-depth views on regional and international issues of common concern, demonstrating a positive attitude towards coordinating positions in global affairs.
The two ministers highly praised the profound friendship and fruitful cooperation between the two countries over the past 70 years, emphasizing the long-standing tradition of regular exchanges and high-level visits, which have laid a solid foundation for the steady development of bilateral relations. To celebrate the 70th anniversary of the establishment of diplomatic relations this year, Ms. Lazzaro specially invited Lao Prime Minister Somxay Siphandone to visit the Philippines and participate in the commemorative activities.
Following the third meeting of the Joint Committee on Bilateral Cooperation (JCBC), co-chaired by the two ministers, the two sides formally signed a Memorandum of Understanding. This memorandum will provide action guidelines for the foreign ministries and other government agencies of both countries, promoting the exploration of new cooperation opportunities in promising areas such as clean energy, modern agriculture, trade, investment, and tourism. At the same time, the two sides jointly released a commemorative logo for the 70th anniversary of the establishment of diplomatic relations between Laos and the Philippines, visually marking this milestone in the friendship between the two countries.
During his visit, Foreign Minister Thongsavanh also conducted a series of diplomatic and cultural exchange activities: he laid a wreath at the Rizal Monument to the Philippine national hero to express his respect; led a delegation to the ASEAN Garden to pay homage to the statue of the late Lao President Kaysone Phomvihane; visited the National Museum of the Philippines to gain a deeper understanding of local history and culture; and met with Lao diplomats at the Lao Embassy in the Philippines to boost morale.
During his visit, Foreign Minister Thongsavanh thanked Foreign Minister Lazzaro for her warm reception, congratulated her on her new appointment, and extended an invitation to her to visit Laos, laying the groundwork for future high-level interactions between the two countries.
