Saleumxay Kommasith and Hakan Fidan display signed cooperation agreements during the former’s visit to Türkiye. - VT
VIENTIANE: The governments of Laos and Türkiye plan to expand cooperation in economics and trade and have signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) to this effect.
The strengthening of ties was discussed when Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Foreign Affairs Saleumxay Kommasith made an official visit to Turkiye from Feb 2-4, in response to an invitation from the Turkish Minister of Foreign Affairs, Hakan Fidan.
The two foreign ministers signed the MoU on behalf of their ministries, aiming to broaden the two countries’ longstanding cooperation.
They discussed bilateral cooperation in past years and the possible future direction of strengthened links, and also shared opinions on regional and global issues of mutual interest.
The two ministers noted the many achievements over the 60 years of friendship and cooperation between the two countries, agreeing that their ties have continuously enhanced in the political, economic, trade and other arenas.
Bilateral trade reached a peak in 2018 and 2019 but subsequently declined by 75 percent when the Covid-19 pandemic struck, according to an official report.
The value of two-way trade then rose to US$11.83 million in the first 11 months of 2023, signalling post-pandemic recovery as trade turnover exceeded the figure of US$11 million recorded in 2022.
In addition, high-ranking delegations from the two countries have made reciprocal visits and cooperated in public health, education, disaster prevention and management, and the advancement of women.
In the future, the two ministries plan to step up promotion of economic and trade cooperation based on the potential of their respective countries.
Saleumxay informed his Turkish counterpart about Laos’ Asean chairmanship this year, with a focusing on enhancing Asean connectivity and resilience.
The Lao government is stepping up ties with potential development partners, and has invited the people of Turkiye to come to Laos during Visit Laos Year 2024.
Saleumxay and his delegation also called on the Vice President of the Republic of Turkiye, Cevdet Yilmaz.
The Lao delegation attended a meeting to learn about the development of the energy sector in Türkiye. They also visited the Lao consular office, a museum, and the National Library of Ankara.
The foreign minister’s visit to Turkiye comes as the two countries celebrate the 65th anniversary of the establishment of diplomatic relations between Laos and Turkiye.
This year is also particularly important for Laos as the country takes on the chair of Asean and hosts Visit Laos Year. - Vientiane Times/ANN
