VIENTIANE (Vientiane Times/ANN): Prime Minister Sonexay Siphandone has called for closer international cooperation to ensure peace, stability, and prosperity, while highlighting Laos’ efforts to enhance ties with Russia and the Asia-Pacific region amid global turbulence.
Speaking at the 10th Eastern Economic Forum (EEF), held at Vladivostok in Russia last week, PM Sonexay praised the forum as an important platform for dialogue and collaboration in addressing global and regional challenges.
The theme of this forum, “Far Eastern: Cooperation for Peace and Prosperity”, is most appropriate in the current situation, the head of the Lao government said.
“Because without peace, we cannot achieve prosperity. Conversely, without prosperity, peace will not be sustainable,” PM Sonexay said.
He said the annual EEF, initiated by Russia, has become a driving force for strengthening economic, social and cultural cooperation in the Asia-Pacific. It serves as a venue for dialogue on pressing global issues such as climate change, food and energy security, technological issues, geopolitical tensions, and global trade issues disrupted by disputes, nationalism and protectionism.
“All of these issues have become challenges to peace, stability and security, as well as regional and international prosperity,” the PM said.
“It requires all countries to cooperate and resolve them together through consultation and multilateral mechanisms based on mutual respect and international law.”
In addition, he underlined the growing ties between Laos and Russia that have been elevated to a strategic partnership, and both nations are celebrating the 65th anniversary of diplomatic ties and the 60th anniversary of the Lao-Russia Friendship Association this year.
He noted that President Thongloun Sisoulith’s official visit to Russia earlier in 2025 reinforced commitments to expand cooperation in political-security, trade, investment, education, tourism, and infrastructure.
PM Sonexay also chaired the Lao-Russian Business Forum on September 4, aimed at boosting trade and investment opportunities between the two countries.
He highlighted Laos’ growing role in regional cooperation, citing its successful chairmanship of ASEAN in 2024 and its recent admission as a dialogue partner of the Shanghai Cooperation Organisation (SCO).
He reiterated Laos’ vision, and the progress it has made in transforming from a landlocked country to a “land-linked” nation by expanding transport infrastructure, including high-speed railways and cross-border connectivity, to facilitate trade and investment.
To attract more investments, the PM said, Laos has improved its business environment by developing special economic zones, streamlining regulations and revising its Investment Promotion Law in 2024. Key priority sectors to promote investments include clean agriculture, renewable energy, mining, agro-processing, pharmaceuticals, education, technology, services and tourism, logistics, and infrastructure development.
Sonexay also invited international investors to explore opportunities in Laos while enjoying its cultural heritage and natural beauty.
“The Lao government and I are pleased and ready to cooperate with all countries to achieve the goal of promoting peace, stability, prosperity, and wealth of the region and the world,” he said.
Concluding his speech, Sonexay congratulated Russia for successfully hosting the 10th Eastern Economic Forum and wished participants success. - Vientiane Times/ANN
