VIENTIANE: President Thongloun Sisoulith (pic) is paying an official visit to the Russian Federation from July 30 to August 1 in response to an invitation from President Vladimir Putin.
The visit aims to further strengthen the longstanding friendship and growing cooperation between the two countries.
In his article published on various media outlets ahead of the visit, President Thongloun noted that the relationship between Laos and Russia has deep roots dating back to Laos’ revolutionary struggle, when the Soviet Union provided vital support for Laos’ independence and post-war reconstruction.
The two nations established formal diplomatic ties on October 7, 1960, and in 1991 Laos recognised the Russian Federation as the legal successor to the Soviet Union. Since then, bilateral cooperation has expanded across multiple fields.
A key milestone was the signing of the Treaty on the Principles of Friendly Relations in 1994.
In 2011, the two countries elevated their relationship to a strategic partnership in security in the Asia-Pacific.
This was followed by the reopening of the Russian Centre for Science and Culture in Vientiane in 2013, helping to boost cultural and educational exchanges.
Russia has continued to provide assistance to Laos in areas such as education, public health, and UXO clearance, saying this reflects Moscow’s strong humanitarian support.
Russian teams have played a vital role in removing unexploded ordnance left over from wartime airstrikes, which still pose a serious danger to communities across Laos.
Over 48,000 Russian tourists visited Laos in 2024, highlighting the growing people-to-people links, while collaboration in mineral processing, energy, and other sectors continues to expand.
Russia has offered training for Lao professionals, especially in defence and security.
The two countries have extended unwavering mutual support in the international arena and their governments uphold shared principles, including the promotion of multilateralism and a more equitable global order.
President Thongloun’s visit coincides with several important anniversaries, including the 80th anniversary of Russia’s victory in the Great Patriotic War, the 65th anniversary of Lao-Russian diplomatic ties, and the 60th anniversary of the Lao-Russian Friendship Association. - Vientiane Times/ANN
