External Affairs Minister Dr S Jaishankar co-chaired the 10th India-Lao PDR Joint Commission Meeting with Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Foreign Affairs of the Lao People’s Democratic Republic Thongsavan Phomvihane in New Delhi yesterday.
During the meeting, both sides held detailed discussions on various aspects, including trade and investment, health, energy, digital connectivity, development partnership, capacity building and culture. They also spoke about furthering India – ASEAN cooperation as well as developments in the region.
In his remarks, Dr Jaishankar said, India and the Lao PDR share close civilisational ties, reflected in their common heritage of Buddhism and the Ramayana. He noted that relations between the two countries go back in history, based on deep cultural and people-to-people linkages.
Dr Jaishankar said that Prime Minister Narendra Modi visited the Lao PDR in October 2024, during which a number of agreements and MoUs were signed. He added that both sides now have an opportunity to review these agreements and explore a wide-ranging agenda, including political cooperation, economic ties, defence, development partnerships, education, cultural exchanges, and multilateral cooperation.
Mr. Phomvihane said that the meeting provides an excellent opportunity for both sides to take stock of the progress and achievements in bilateral cooperation. He added that both countries should continue to chart the future course this year to bring tangible benefits to the two nations. He said his visit aims to further strengthen and enhance the longstanding friendly relations and fruitful cooperation of the past seven decades across all key sectors. He noted that over the past 70 years, friendship and cooperation have continued to grow and flourish, marked by regular exchanges of visits.
The Deputy Prime Minister and Foreign Minister of the Lao PDR said the engagement underscores the strong bond between the two countries and reaffirms their shared commitments despite current regional and global economic uncertainties and challenges. He further stated that the Government of the Lao PDR highly appreciates the valuable assistance and continued support from the Government and people of India, both bilaterally and within regional and international frameworks, including ASEAN and the United Nations.
