Lao Phankham Viphavanh meeting with his Australian counterpart Anthony Albanese in Phnom Penh. - VT
VIENTIANE (Vientiane Times/Asia News Network): Prime Minister Phankham Viphavanh and his Australian counterpart Anthony Albanese have announced their intention to elevate the bilateral ties between Laos and Australia to a Comprehensive Partnership.
The announcement followed their meeting in Phnom Penh on the sidelines of the 2nd annual Asean-Australia Summit and East Asia Summit.
The move is part of the Australian government’s strategy to deepen its engagement in South-East Asia, according to the Australian PM website.
“Prime Minister Phankham Viphavanh and I had a fruitful discussion today here in Phnom Penh. We spoke of the growing closeness of our two countries and plans to continue our constructive relationship with a formal Comprehensive Partnership,” Mr Albanese said.
“This is a sign of the growing substance of our relationship and our commitment to expanding and strengthening cooperation.”
During their talks in Phnom Penh, the two premiers also agreed to support one another, especially through Asean and Mekong-Australia frameworks, while Laos serves as Asean Country Coordinator for Australia from 2021-2024, according to Laos’ Ministry of Foreign Affairs.
The two leaders also discussed ways to strengthen their cooperation in trade and investment, with Australia appreciating Laos’ role as Asean Country Coordinator for Australia.
Australia also reiterated its support for Laos as the country of 7 million inhabitants prepares for its Asean Chair year in 2024.
Laos and Australia enjoy 70 years of unbroken ties that have been built based on mutual respect and understanding. The elevation of this relationship will explore further areas for bilateral and regional cooperation, including on energy, climate and transnational crime.
The two prime ministers asked their foreign ministers to develop a plan to strengthen cooperation in accordance with the new Comprehensive Partnership, according to the Australian PM website.
Laos and Australia consistently develop and maintain the effectiveness of their friendly relations and engagement, which is reflected in the reciprocal visits made by delegations of various levels.
The Australian government provided financial support for the construction of the first Lao-Thai Friendship Bridge across the Mekong River, which opened on April 24, 1994.
The opening of the bridge, which spans 1,170m across the river from Vientiane to Nong Khai, not only marked the start of Laos’ land connectivity with Thailand but kicked off a new era in Lao development, regional peace and international cooperation, with Australia as a key player.
Laos and Australia established diplomatic relations on January 15, 1952. In October this year, Lao Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Foreign Affairs Saleumxay Kommasith paid an official visit to Australia and met with Australia’s foreign minister Penny Wong as part of activities to celebrate 70 years of the two countries’ diplomatic relations.
