BANDAR SERI BEGAWAN: The Embassy of the Lao People’s Democratic Republic in Bandar Seri Begawan hosted a reception on Monday (Dec 8) to commemorate the 50th Anniversary of the Establishment of the Lao PDR, held at the Rizqun International Hotel in Gadong.
Representing Brunei as the guest of honour was Minister of Education Datin Seri Setia Dr Hajah Romaizah Md Salleh and spouse.
In his welcoming remarks, Ambassador of the Lao PDR to Brunei Darussalam Heuankeo Sangsomsak highlighted the country’s progress since its declaration of independence in 1975, noting its steady expansion of diplomatic ties and growing international profile.
He said Laos and Brunei Darussalam have enjoyed warm relations since the establishment of diplomatic ties in 1993, strengthened by regular exchanges of high-level visits.
These include the state visit of President Thongloun Sisoulith, the Brunei Sultan Hassanal Bolkiah's state visit to Laos in 2023, and visits held in conjunction with the 44th and 45th Asean Summits in Vientiane.
The ambassador also recalled the official visit of Lao Minister of Foreign Affairs Thongsavanh Phomvihane last October.
“With this positive momentum, I am confident that cooperation between Lao PDR and Brunei Darussalam will continue to flourish,” he said.
He added that the ties are further reinforced by the Sultan's invitation to Lao Prime Minister Sonexay Siphandone to undertake an official visit to Brunei, extended during their bilateral meeting at the 47th Asean Summit in Kuala Lumpur last October.
Both sides, he said, will work closely to ensure the visit next year is a success.
The ambassador noted that cooperation spans several key sectors, including diplomacy, the economy, education, defence and tourism. In line with Visit Lao Year 2026, he also invited Bruneians to explore Laos’ diverse cultural and natural attractions.
On the regional front, he reiterated that Asean remains central to Laos’ foreign policy. As Asean chair last year, Laos was committed to fostering an inclusive and sustainable future for the region.
“We deeply value the strong support from Brunei Darussalam, fellow Asean member states and our dialogue partners during Laos’ Asean chairmanship, as we work together to uphold Asean centrality and unity,” he said.
The ambassador underscored the importance of a future-oriented partnership built on trust and shared aspirations.
“Lao PDR is fully committed to strengthening relations with Brunei Darussalam for the mutual benefit of our peoples and nations,” he said, expressing confidence that longstanding ties will continue to guide both nations toward “greater peace, prosperity and harmony”.
The reception concluded with a cake-cutting ceremony by the ambassador, guest of honour and their spouses, followed by group photographs with members of the diplomatic corps. - Borneo Bulletin/ANN
