FM on results of Belarusian delegation visit to Laos: co-operation in industry, development of business ties
The Foreign Ministry commented on the results of the visit of the Belarusian delegation headed by the Deputy Minister of Foreign Affairs of the Republic of Belarus, Evgeny Shestakov, to Vientiane, Laos. Thus, it became known that the 3rd round of political consultations between the ministries of foreign affairs of Belarus and Laos was held during the visit, sb.by reports.
“During the consultations, the Deputy Minister of Foreign Affairs of Belarus, Evgeny Shestakov, discussed with the head of the Lao delegation, the Deputy Minister of Foreign Affairs of Laos, Bounleua Phandanouvong, issues of enhancing bilateral co-operation and promising areas of interaction in various fields. The special attention was paid to regional processes, primarily in the context of Laos' chairmanship in ASEAN in 2024. Current issues of the international agenda were considered. The active co-operation between Belarus and Laos in international organisations was emphasised. The possibilities of expanding legal framework of bilateral relations were discussed,” the Foreign Ministry stated.
According to the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, during the meeting with the Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Foreign Affairs of Laos, Saleumxay Kommasith, the issues of bilateral relations and mutual support in international organisations were discussed. Evgeny Shestakov congratulated the Lao side on the important role of maintaining regional stability in Southeast Asia, taking into account the country's chairmanship in ASEAN in 2024 and wished success in the implementation of this responsible mission.
The Deputy Minister of Foreign Affairs of Belarus discussed with the Head of the Lao People's Revolutionary Party Central Committee’s Commission for External Relations, Thongsavanh Phomvihane, a wide range of issues regarding the bilateral relations between the two countries, including interparty co-operation.
It also became known that the meetings of the Deputy Minister of Foreign Affairs of Belarus with the Minister of Planning and Investment of the Lao People’s Democratic Republic, Khamchen Vongphosy, and the Deputy Minister of Industry and Commerce of the Lao People’s Democratic Republic, Bountheung Douangsavanh, were focused on co-operation in trade and production, as well as on priority areas of sectoral interaction. The interlocutors welcomed the active growth of trade turnover by the end of 2023. They considered approaches to expanding co-operation in the heavy and light industry. An agreement was reached to continue co-operation within the framework of the next meeting of the Belarus-Laos Joint Commission on Bilateral Co-operation in 2024.
At the Lao National Chamber of Commerce and Industry, the Deputy Minister of Foreign Affairs of Belarus continued to discuss ways to enhance trade and economic co-operation with business representatives. The plans for 2024 were outlined, in particular, the exchange of delegations of enterprises of the two countries. Presentations on the trade and economic potential of Belarus in various areas were organised.
Evgeny Shestakov discussed with members of the Laos-Belarus Friendship Society the plans to implement joint projects in the cultural and educational spheres. The important role of ‘people's diplomacy’ in the development of bilateral relations was noted.
The events in Vientiane are taking place in the year of the 30th anniversary of the establishment of diplomatic relations between Belarus and Laos.
