VIENTIANE: Laos has been officially adopted as the 15th dialogue partner of the Shanghai Cooperation Organisation (SCO), underscoring the bloc’s principles and objectives that align with Laos’ foreign policy advocating for peace, independence, friendship and multilateral cooperation.
President Thongloung Sisoulith expressed heartfelt thanks to the SCO’s members for extending their full support at the bloc’s 25th Summit in China’s port city of Tianjin.
Laos secured unanimous support at the SCO Plus meeting, the Lao Ministry of Foreign Affairs said in a press statement.
Addressing the meeting, President Thongloung emphasised that Laos attaches great importance to the principles and objectives of the SCO, which align with Laos’ guidelines and foreign policies adhering “to the principles of peace, independence, friendship and mutually beneficial cooperation”.
“The Lao PDR is ready to participate in the promotion of peace and stability in the region and sustainable development,” President Thongloun was quoted as saying.
The Lao leader attended the summit on August 31-September 1 under the theme “Implementing multilateralism, ensuring regional security and promoting sustainable development”, at the invitation of Chinese President Xi Jinping.
It was the largest-ever summit since the oganisation was founded in Shanghai in June 2001.
Addressing the 25th meeting of the Council of Heads of State of the SCO, President Xi called on the organisation’s members to forge ahead with solid steps for a better future.
The Chinese leader called on member states to carry forward the Shanghai Spirit in a world fraught with challenges and changes, and better tap into the organisation’s potential, the Xinhua News Agency reported.
Following its formation, the SCO has expanded from six founding members into a 26-nation family of 10 members, two observers and 14 dialogue partners (Laos now becomes the 15th member) spanning Asia, Europe and Africa, with cooperation covering more than 50 areas and a combined economic output of nearly US$30 trillion.
“Its international influence and appeal are increasing day by day,” Xinhua quoted President Xi as saying, hailing “groundbreaking and historic achievements” in SCO development and cooperation.
The organisation was the first to set up a military confidence-building mechanism in border areas and launch Belt and Road cooperation.
The member states were also the first to put forth the vision of global governance featuring extensive consultation and joint contribution for shared benefit as an effort to practice true multilateralism.
“We should advocate an equal and orderly multipolar world and a universally beneficial and inclusive economic globalisation, and make the global governance system more just and equitable,” President Xi added.
Foreign leaders attending the summit also held several bilateral sideline meetings.
President Thongloun received Vietnamese Prime Minister Pham Minh Chinh, and held a bilateral meeting with the Acting President of Myanmar and Chairman of the State Security and Peace Commission of Myanmar, Senior General Min Aung Hlaing.
The Lao leader also welcomed Nepali Prime Minister K. P. Sharma Oli, and Cambodian Prime Minister Hun Manet to share views on strengthening bilateral ties between Laos and their respective countries. - Vientiane Times/ANN
