Minister of Foreign Affairs Saleumxay Kommasith (right) greets Malaysia’s Minister of Foreign Affairs, Zambry Abdul Kadir. -VT
VIENTIANE (Vientiane Times/Asia News Network): The governments of Laos and Malaysia have discussed Laos’ preparations to assume the chairmanship of Asean and launch the Visit Laos Year tourism programme in 2024.
Malaysia will assist Laos in becoming the Asean chair next year, according to the Ministry of Foreign Affairs.
Malaysia’s assistance was pledged during a working visit to Laos by Malaysian Minister of Foreign Affairs, Zambry Abdul Kadir, and his delegation, during a meeting on Monday with Laos’ Minister of Foreign Affairs, Saleumxay Kommasith.
Saleumxay said he greatly appreciated the visit by Zambry and his delegation.
The visit was an important contribution to strengthening the friendship and cooperation between the two countries, as well as cooperation between their two foreign affairs ministries, he added.
The two ministers reviewed cooperation between Laos and Malaysia since the establishment of diplomatic relations in 1966 and were in agreement about the value of their friendship and cooperation, which has seen continuous growth over the years.
Cooperation has been particularly strong in the fields of defence, trade, investment, energy, education and banking.
The two countries will continue to cooperate and support each other in the regional and international arenas, especially within Asean and United Nations’ frameworks.
The ministers agreed to further cooperation in areas with strong potential and shared views on emerging regional and international situations of mutual interest.
Meeting participants also discussed preparations for the 4th Joint Commission for Bilateral Cooperation, which Laos will host in 2024.
In the past, Malaysia has provided assistance to Laos in the field of human resource development through the Malaysian Technical Cooperation Programme, scholarships and trainings, as well as support during the Covid-19 pandemic.
Saleumxay informed the Malaysian delegation of Laos’ preparations for Asean chairmanship to date, as well as for Visit Laos Year in 2024.
Zambry thanked the government and people of Laos for their support for Malaysia in the regional and international arenas and said he was delighted to continue to cooperate, assist and support Laos in order to strengthen the friendship and cooperation between the two countries.
