Mongolian President Ukhnaagiin Khurelsukh (second right) guides President Thongloun Sisoulith (second left) and his wife (far right) on a tour of the Genghis Khan Memorial complex. - Vientiane Times/ANN
VIENTIANE: President Thongloun Sisoulith and his Mongolian counterpart Ukhnaagiin Khurelsukh have agreed that their governments should work together to set up direct flights between the two landlocked countries.
President Thongloun led a high-profile Lao delegation on a two-day state visit to Mongolia on June 11-12 in response to an invitation from the Mongolian leader.
The leaders held talks on the first day of the visit, shortly after an official welcome ceremony, the Lao Ministry of Foreign Affairs said in a statement.
“During the talks, both sides agreed to continue with internal steps towards opening direct flights in the future,” the ministry said, adding that the visit aimed to bolster the longstanding friendly relations and cooperation between Laos and Mongolia.
The two leaders also agreed to push for expanded cooperation in the economic and trade spheres, based on the special potential of the two countries in areas such as agriculture, services, transport and tourism.
They also witnessed the signing of three agreements related to cooperation on the management of civil servants, public health, and sanitary and phytosanitary standards to facilitate the export of meat from Mongolia to Laos.
To bolster trade and investment cooperation, President Thongloun invited Mongolian investors to do business in Laos in areas such as agriculture and the processing of farm products.
The two presidents also outlined plans for future cooperation in politics, defence, agriculture, education, and public health.
They observed that Laos and Mongolia have enjoyed mutual trust and extended reciprocal support to each other, while the leaders of the two countries have maintained regular contacts and visits.
The heads of state said they highly valued the close relations between Laos and Mongolia, which have been nurtured and developed over the past six decades.
President Thongloun thanked President Khurelsukh for the warm hospitality shown to him and his delegation.
The Mongolian leader hosted a banquet in honour of the Lao President and his delegation.
On June 12, President Thongloun and his entourage visited the Genghis Khan Memorial complex and toured the Mongol Culture Park, where the Lao delegation admired old-style houses and enjoyed the Mini Naadam Festival. President Thongloun planted a tree at the park as a memorial of his visit.
The Lao Ministry of Foreign Affairs said the visit was great success. - Vientiane Times/ANN
