VIENTIANE: The governments of Laos and Brunei have agreed to expand their relations, cooperation and all-round strategic partnership, building on their success in previous joint development activities.
The decision to strengthen their relations was made during an official visit to Laos by Brunei’s Minister of Foreign Affairs, Datuk Erywan Pehin Yusof, and his delegation from August 28 to 29, at the invitation of Laos’ Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Foreign Affairs, Saleumxay Kommasith.
Lao and Bruneian delegations convened for the 4th Meeting of the Joint Commission for Bilateral Cooperation between Laos and Brunei Darussalam (JCBC-4) to discuss the strengthening of relations between the two countries.
Saleumxay and his officials welcomed Erywan and his delegation at the Ministry of Foreign Affairs on Wednesday (Aug 28) before the start of the meeting.
The two sides reviewed their past cooperation in the fields of politics, economics, defence and security, education, energy, efforts to combat money laundering, airport services, labour and social welfare, tourism, culture, youth, women, and sports.
They expressed deep appreciation for the success of their relationship and shared their joint desire to progress their ties for the purposes of development since the JCBC-3 meeting was held in 2022, when government leaders from the two countries met for talks.
The two delegations agreed to strengthen cooperation in economic affairs including trade and investment, especially in the fields of energy, agriculture, as well as in other sectors.
They also agreed to continue to support each other on regional and global stages under Asean and United Nations frameworks, and discussed current issues of mutual interest in the region and globally, creating common understanding concerning various developments.
Saleumxay said he greatly appreciated the visit by the Bruneian delegation and their willingness to enhance relations and cooperation with Laos.
He mentioned Brunei’s 40th National Day in February this year and praised the country’s strong development and the prosperity of its people.
Following the meeting, the two foreign ministers signed an agreement on the outcome of discussions.
On the same day, Erywan and his delegation visited Laos’ Prime Minister Sonexay Siphandone at the Prime Minister’s office in Vientiane. - Vientiane Times/ANN
