VIENTIANE: The governments of Laos and Indonesia have reaffirmed their commitment to strengthening long-standing bilateral relations and expanding cooperation across key sectors over the years ahead.
The commitment was made during an official visit to the Republic of Indonesia by the Deputy Prime Minister and Foreign Affairs Minister Thongsavanh Phomvihane, from May 4-5.
The visit was made at the invitation of Indonesia’s Foreign Affairs Minister Sugiono. He was accompanied by a high-level delegation from Laos.
The visit was aimed at further enhancing the longstanding friendship and cooperation between the two nations. During bilateral talks at the Indonesian Ministry of Foreign Affairs on Monday, both sides reviewed past achievements and discussed future directions for cooperation.
The two countries commended the steady development of relations over the past 69 years, highlighted by regular high-level exchanges and growing people-to-people ties.
Looking ahead, both sides noted that 2027 will mark the 70th anniversary of diplomatic relations between Laos and Indonesia, originally established on Aug 30, 1957. To commemorate this milestone, joint activities are planned in Vientiane and Jakarta.
The ministers expressed satisfaction with cooperation across multiple sectors, including politics, defence, economy, human resource development and tourism. They agreed to promote trade and investment, particularly in priority areas where both countries have strong potential.
Discussions also covered regional and international issues of shared interest, with both sides exploring the possibility of upgrading bilateral relations in the future.
During the meeting, Mr Thongsavanh expressed his appreciation to the Indonesian government and people for their warm hospitality, and their support during Laos’ ASEAN Chairmanship in 2024.
He extended congratulations to Mr Sugiono on his appointment as Secretary General of the Gerindra Party in August 2025. As part of future engagements, Mr Sugiono was invited to pay an official visit to Laos and to co-chair the 6th meeting of the Joint Commission for Bilateral Cooperation (JCBC), which Laos is set to host in 2027.
Beyond official talks, Mr Thongsavanh held separate meetings with key representatives of Indonesia’s business and civil society sectors.
He met the Vice Chairman of International Relations of the Indonesian Chamber of Commerce and Industry (KADIN), Mr Bernardino Moningka Vega, to explore opportunities for expanding trade and investment cooperation.
He also met the President-elect of the Indonesia-Laos Friendship Association, Pratito Soeharyo, to strengthen people-to-people links.
The Lao delegation additionally visited PT Pupuk Indonesia to encourage further investment in Laos, and several cultural sites in Indonesia.
The visit concluded successfully, highlighting the strong and enduring partnership between Laos and Indonesia as they approach 70 years of diplomatic relations. - Vientiane Times/ANN
