KPL
Australian Ambassador to the Lao PDR, HE Megan Jones, paid a farewell call on HE Dr Phet Phomphiphak, Head of the Office of the Lao Party Central Committee, ahead of her departure from Lao PDR in coming months. They discussed Laos' development priorities and the future of Laos-Australia cooperation.
Ambassador Jones thanked Dr Phet for his support during her tenure and acknowledged his longstanding contribution to national development, including his role in supporting Party decision-making and the implementation of national priorities. She also expressed appreciation for his support for the Laos-Australia relationship and his constructive engagement across a broad range of bilateral priorities.
The two sides reflected on the growth of the bilateral relations, including the elevation of the relationship to a Comprehensive Partnership in 2024 and the growth in Australia’s engagement with the Lao People’s Revolutionary Party since the establishment of the Laos-Australia Friendship Association.
The discussion covered implementation of the National Agenda on Rural Development and Poverty Alleviation, with a focus on improving rural livelihoods, increasing agricultural productivity and promoting inclusive economic growth. Both sides emphasized the importance of ensuring development benefits reach communities across the country, including rural and remote areas. They agreed on the importance of growing investment and welcomed Australian business investment, particularly in rural areas.
Ambassador Jones and Dr Phet explored opportunities to strengthen cooperation in support of Laos' long-term development objectives. Dr Phet outlined that Laos sought to grow cooperation with Australia in human resource development, health, education and technological capacity building, particularly for rural Laos. Dr Phet acknowledged these as fundamental building blocks of Laos’ sustainable development.
Ambassador Jones highlighted Australia's support through economic governance programs, education and health partnerships, agricultural research cooperation and leadership development initiatives. She reaffirmed Australia's commitment to developing Laos' future leaders through scholarships, professional development, English-language training and institutional partnerships.
Ambassador Jones expressed confidence that the partnership would continue to deepen under her successor. Dr Phet thanked Ambassador Jones for dedication to the Australia-Laos relationship and welcomed the continued strengthening of relations and ongoing cooperation between the two countries.
KPL
