(KPL) Laos and Thailand have reaffirmed their commitment to deepening bilateral cooperation during an official visit by Lao Foreign Minister Thongsavanh Phomvihane to Thailand from 21-23 May 2025.

The visit, conducted at the invitation of Thai Foreign Minister Maris Sangiampongsa, aimed to enhance the long-standing relations, good neighbourly cooperation and strategic partnership for sustainable growth and development between the two neighboring countries.

On 23 May, the two ministers held a bilateral meeting at Thailand’s Ministry of Foreign Affairs in Bangkok, where they reviewed progress in diplomatic, economic, and infrastructure cooperation. Minister Thongsavanh expressed gratitude for Thailand’s warm hospitality and extended an invitation for Minister Maris to visit Laos later in 2025 to co-chair the 23rd Lao-Thai Joint Committee on Cooperation (JC) and the 12th Lao-Thai Joint Border Committee (JBC).

Both sides highlighted the significance of 2025 marking the 75th anniversary of Lao-Thai diplomatic relations, with planned celebrations including the unveiling of a special anniversary emblem, exchange of congratulatory messages between leaders at three levels, renovation of the 1st Lao-Thai Friendship Bridge, and inauguration of the 5th Lao-Thai Friendship Bridge (Borikhamxay-Beungkan)

The two sides agreed that Lao-Thai cooperation covers all areas of work through various cooperation mechanisms from the central to the local levels, which are interrelated and interdependent.

The cooperation projects of the two countries have been successfully implemented step by step, with mutual visits at all levels, regular meetings between the two countries, aiming to promote friendly relations and neighborly cooperation between the two countries.

At the same time, the two sides also discussed strengthening economic ties and cross-border business facilitation, enhancing protections for Lao workers in Thailand, boosting connectivity through new bridges and transport links, and expanding joint projects, including hydropower and irrigation initiatives.

During his stay, Minister Thongsavanh and his delegation visited That Si Songhak in Loei Province and the Huai Hong Krai Royal Development Study Centre in Chiang Mai—a model for sustainable water resource management. The delegation also planted a tree at a Botanical Garden as a symbolic gesture of enduring Lao-Thai friendship.

Additionally, the Lao delegation was received by Deputy Prime Minister Pirapan Salirathavibhaga, who conveyed greetings from Thailand’s Prime Minister, currently abroad.

Both nations agreed to frequent high-level exchanges and joint projects to ensure continued progress. Minister Maris praised the visit as a milestone in commemorating 75 years of diplomatic relations and confirmed his upcoming trip to Laos for the JC and JBC meetings.

KPL