VIENTIANE: Laos and the Philippines have agreed to expand cooperation across areas including clean energy, modern agriculture, trade, investment, and tourism, aiming to deliver more tangible benefits to their peoples and economies.
The agreement was reached when Lao Minister of Foreign Affairs Thongsavanh Phomvihane paid an official visit to the Philippines on Aug 13-14 at the invitation of his Philippine counterpart, Theresa P. Lazaro.
The visit marked the 70th anniversary of diplomatic relations between the two countries.
During their talks, the two ministers reviewed cooperation in numerous areas of development, including politics, defence, security, trade, investment, tourism, agriculture, energy, technology and communications, education, and culture.
The two sides agreed to further enhance this collaboration. They also exchanged views on regional and international issues of mutual interest, the Lao Ministry of Foreign Affairs said in a press release.
The two ministers praised the friendship and good cooperation between the two countries over the past 70 years. Both sides have maintained regular exchanges and high-level visits.
To mark the 70th anniversary of relations later this year, Lazaro invited Lao Prime Minister, Dr Sonexay Siphandone, to visit the Philippines for the commemoration.
The two sides signed a memorandum of cooperation following the 3rd Joint Commission for Bilateral Cooperation (JCBC), which the two ministers co-chaired.
Foreign Minister Thongsavanh thanked his counterpart for the warm reception, congratulated her on her new appointment, and invited her to visit Laos.
The memorandum will guide the two countries’ foreign ministries and other government bodies in exploring new opportunities for cooperation in promising areas such as clean energy, modern agriculture, trade, investment, and tourism.
The two sides also unveiled a special commemorative logo for the 70th anniversary of Laos-Philippines diplomatic relations.
During his visit, Thongsavanh laid a wreath at the Rizal Monument, honouring the Philippines’ national hero.
He also led his delegation to pay tribute at the statue of the revered Lao leader, President Kaysone Phomvihane, at the Asean Garden, and visited the National Museum of the Philippines.
Thongsavanh also met with Lao diplomatic staff at the Lao Embassy to the Philippines. - Vientiane Times/ANN
