(KPL) Minister of Foreign Affairs of the Lao PDR, Thongsavanh Phomvihane, held a bilateral meeting with Secretary of Foreign Affairs of the Philippines, Ma Theresa P. Lazaro, on July 8 on the sidelines of the 58th ASEAN Foreign Ministers’ Meeting and related meetings held in Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia, from July 8–11, 2025.

During the meeting, Minister Thongsavanh expressed his pleasure in meeting his Philippine counterpart and extended his congratulations on her recent appointment.

He also conveyed appreciation to the Government and people of the Philippines for their continued support to the Lao PDR, particularly in human resource development through short-term training programmes and long-term scholarships. He also thanked the Philippines for its support during Laos’ ASEAN Chairmanship in 2024.

Minister Thongsavanh reaffirmed Laos’ support for the Philippines as it prepares to assume the rotating ASEAN Chairmanship in 2026, emphasizing the importance of advancing ASEAN Community building for the benefit of all member states.

Both sides commended the steady development of friendly relations and fruitful cooperation between the Lao PDR and the Philippines, evidenced by regular exchanges of high-level visits and mutual support in regional, international, and ASEAN frameworks.

This year marks the 70th anniversary of diplomatic relations between the Lao PDR and the Philippines.

To commemorate the milestone, both countries have planned a series of celebratory activities, including musical performances and high-level visits.

The two ministers agreed to encourage relevant agencies to further enhance trade and investment cooperation in the coming years. They also agreed to continue detailed discussions during the upcoming official visit to the Philippines and the 3rd Lao PDR–Philippines Bilateral Cooperation Committee Meeting, scheduled for August 2025 in Manila.

The meeting also included an exchange of views on key regional and international issues of mutual concern.

KPL