VIENTIANE: The governments of Laos and Thailand are seeking to strengthen economic, energy and border cooperation, with both sides calling for concrete results from their longstanding partnership.
Talks concerning a stronger Lao-Thai partnership topped the agenda at a meeting between Prime Minister Sonexay Siphandone and Thailand’s visiting Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Foreign Affairs, Sihasak Phuangketkeow, at the National Convention Centre in Vientiane on Thursday (Oct 1).
Sihasak is in Laos to attend the 23rd Meeting of the Laos-Thailand Joint Commission on Bilateral Cooperation, scheduled to take place in Luang Prabang province on Oct 2.
During the meeting, Prime Minister Sonexay expressed hope that the upcoming Joint Commission meeting would advance cooperation across various sectors and set clear directions for future collaboration.
He called on both sides to ensure that discussions deliver practical results, particularly in maintaining security and order along the Lao-Thai border, surveying and demarcating the border, and strengthening cooperation in economic affairs, connectivity and energy.
He also highlighted the importance of cooperation in education, public health, agriculture, tourism and people-to-people links to support development in both countries.
The importance of economic ties is reflected in trade and investment figures, with Thailand being one of Laos’ major economic partners.
The value of trade between the two countries reached US$4.39 billion in the first eight months of this year, excluding electricity, according to the Lao Foreign Trade Department.
Laos exported goods worth about US$855.17 million to Thailand, while imports from its neighbour totalled approximately US$3.54 billion. Thailand ranks as Laos’ second-largest trading partner by trade value, after China.
Thailand also ranked third among foreign investors in Laos from 2021-2025, with 14 projects worth US$2.25 billion, according to a report presented at the National Conference on Investment Promotion and Management in Vientiane in August.
During the same period, Laos attracted 695 investment projects worth a combined US$17.9 billion, exceeding the five-year target of US$9.5 billion.
Vietnam ranked first among investors, with 34 projects worth US$5.1 billion, followed by China with 152 projects valued at US$3.69 billion.
Dr Sonexay welcomed Sihasak’s visit, describing it as an important contribution to strengthening friendship and cooperation between the two neighbouring countries, as well as their strategic partnership for growth and sustainable development.
He thanked the Thai Parliament, government and people for sharing Laos’ grief and sending a special representative to the funeral of former President of the National Assembly, Xaysomphone Phomvihane.
Dr Sonexay also expressed sympathy over severe flooding in Bangkok and neighbouring provinces, which has caused loss of life and extensive property damage.
Both sides praised the steady development of relations over more than seven decades since the establishment of diplomatic ties. They noted that exchanges between heads of state, members of the Thai Royal Family, heads of government, and senior leaders have helped to strengthen relations.
Sihasak thanked the Lao government for its warm welcome and for co-chairing the Joint Commission meeting.
He reaffirmed Thailand’s commitment to encouraging relevant agencies to follow through on agreements reached by the two countries, so they deliver tangible benefits to their peoples.
Sihasak also toured the operations of Thanaleng Dry Port Sole Co, Ltd., highlighting the role of transport and logistics infrastructure in supporting cross-border trade and connectivity.
He then travelled to Luang Prabang on the Laos-China Railway to attend the Joint Commission meeting. - Vientiane Times/ANN
