(KPL) The Lao People’s Democratic Republic and the Republic of the Philippines commemorated the 70th anniversary of the establishment of diplomatic relations and the 127th anniversary of Philippine Independence Day during a joint celebration held in Vientiane on July 15.

The event was attended by Mr. Thongsavanh Phomvihane, Minister of Foreign Affairs of the Lao PDR, representing the Lao government, and Ms. Elizabeth Te, Ambassador of the Philippines to Laos. Also present were deputy ministers, senior government officials, members of the diplomatic corps, representatives from international organizations, and invited guests from various sectors.

In their keynote remarks, Minister Thongsavanh and Ambassador Te expressed mutual appreciation for the steadfast friendship and deepening cooperation between the two nations since the formal establishment of diplomatic relations on January 14, 1955.

Over the past seven decades, bilateral relations have been continuously strengthened through regular high-level exchanges, including recent meetings between the two countries' foreign ministers on the sidelines of the 58th ASEAN Foreign Ministers’ Meeting on July 8, 2025, in Kuala Lumpur, and between the Lao Prime Minister and Philippine President at the 46th ASEAN Summit in May 2025. These engagements have significantly enhanced mutual understanding and fostered closer collaboration at all levels.

The Lao PDR and the Philippines have also partnered across multiple sectors, with the Philippine government providing notable support during Laos’ ASEAN Chairmanship in 2024, particularly in areas such as human resource development, women’s empowerment, and disaster management.

Both sides reaffirmed their commitment to further deepen bilateral relations and broaden cooperation for the mutual benefit of their peoples, while also contributing to ASEAN unity, regional peace, and global solidarity.

KPL