VIENTIANE: Laos and Myanmar are forging ahead to deepen cooperation as their foreign ministers discussed plans for a bilateral meeting to boost collaboration on trade, investment, labour, energy, transport, border management and education.
The discussions took place during an official visit to Myanmar by Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Foreign Affairs, Thongsavanh Phomvihane, on June 12-13 at the invitation of Myanmar’s Union Minister for Foreign Affairs U Tin Maung Swe, the Lao Ministry of Foreign Affairs said in the press release.
The two sides reviewed preparations for the 13th Session of the Laos-Myanmar Joint Commission for Bilateral Cooperation, which is scheduled to take place in Myanmar.
The meeting is expected to provide fresh momentum for cooperation across a range of sectors and further strengthen ties between the neighbouring nations.
During the talks, the two deputy prime ministers exchanged views on developments in their respective countries and reviewed progress in bilateral relations. They also discussed ways to deepen cooperation in areas of mutual benefit and shared views on regional and international issues of common interest.
Both sides spoke highly of the longstandding friendship between Laos and Myanmar, which has continued to grow over more than 70 years.
Political relations remain strong and stable, supported by regular exchanges between leaders on the sidelines of regional and international meetings.
The two sides noted the meeting between President Thongloun Sisoulith of Laos and President Min Aung Hlaing of Myanmar during the Shanghai Cooperation Organisation Summit in China in 2025 as a reflection of the close ties between the two nations.
Defence and security cooperation also continues to be active. Regular border security meetings continue to provide a platform for sharing information and strengthening coordination along the Laos-Myanmar border.
The two countries also reflected on the successful observance of the 70th anniversary of their diplomatic relations on July 12, 2025. The milestone highlighted the enduring friendship and cooperation that have linked the two nations since diplomatic ties were established in 1955.
During the visit, Mr Thongsavanh called on President Min Aung Hlaing. He conveyed warm greetings from President Thongloun Sisoulith and congratulated Myanmar on the success of its general elections and the election of President Min Aung Hlaing as President in April this year.
Both sides welcomed the continued growth of friendship and cooperation between Laos and Myanmar and described the 70th anniversary of diplomatic relations in 2025 as an important milestone in bilateral relations.
They agreed to continue strengthening cooperation in various fields for the benefit of both countries and their peoples.
Thongsavanh invited U Tin Maung Swe to pay an official visit to Laos. Myanmar welcomed the invitation and expressed appreciation for the humanitarian assistance and support provided by the Lao government and people over the years. - Vientiane Times/ANN
