Belarus, Laos exchanged congratulations to mark 30th anniversary of diplomatic relations

Belarus’ Foreign Minister Sergei Aleinik and Deputy Prime Minister, Minister of Foreign Affairs of the Lao People’s Democratic Republic Saleumxay Kommasith exchanged congratulatory messages on the occasion of the 30th anniversary of the establishment of diplomatic relations between the countries – as reported by the Belarusian Foreign Ministry’s press service

As noted in Belarus’ Foreign Ministry, friendly relations have connected Belarus and Laos since the Soviet times.

“Despite the geographical distance, differences in culture, customs and language, as well as ongoing changes in the global and regional dimensions, the relations between the countries have strengthened. A significant impetus to interaction was given in the 2010s by mutual visits of foreign ministers. In July 2013, President of the Lao People’s Democratic Republic Choummaly Sayasone paid an official visit to Belarus,” the Foreign Ministry stressed.

The current President of the Lao PDR, Thongloun Sisoulith, with the rank of Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Foreign Affairs, attended Minsk on an official visit twice. Belarus’ foreign ministers, Sergei Martynov and Vladimir Makei, visited Laos capital, Vientiane, in 2012 and 2014, respectively.

During the visits, a range of important documents were signed in various areas of bilateral co-operation, enabling to significantly expand the legal framework. The necessary mechanisms of institutional interaction were launched, including in February 2014 – the work of the Belarusian-Lao intergovernmental joint commission on bilateral co-operation, and in August 2015 – political consultations at the level of deputy foreign ministers.

In January 2023, by decision of the Central Committee of the Lao People’s Revolutionary Party, the Laos-Belarus Friendship Society was set up.

The countries maintain regular contact at a high level, including at international platforms. Their interaction in the UN, ASEAN and other international organisations is friendly and trusting.

“The economies of Belarus and Laos complement each other. The parties demonstrate their readiness to convert a high level of political dialogue into increased interaction in the trade-economic, cultural, scientific and educational spheres,” the Belarusian Foreign Ministry added.

To mark the 30th anniversary of diplomatic relations between the two countries, the Communications and Informatisation Ministry of Belarus, together with Belpochta’s Marka Publishing Centre and the Belarusian Embassy in Vietnam, prepared a commemorative postal project.