(KPL) The 2nd Political Consultation Meeting between the Ministries of Foreign Affairs of the Lao PDR and the Republic of Cuba was held on July 25, 2025, in Vientiane. The meeting was co-chaired by Mr. Maithong Thammavongsa, Deputy Minister of Foreign Affairs of the Lao PDR, and Mr. Gerardo Peñalver Portal, Deputy Minister of Foreign Affairs of Cuba, who led his delegation on a working visit to Laos.

In his opening remarks, Deputy Minister Maithong warmly welcomed the Cuban delegation and emphasized the significance of their visit, which he said contributes meaningfully to strengthening the traditional friendship between the two Parties, States, and peoples of Laos and Cuba. Mr. Gerardo Peñalver Portal, in return, expressed his gratitude for the warm reception and reaffirmed Cuba’s strong commitment to bilateral ties.

Both sides recognized the political consultation as a positive and constructive mechanism for reinforcing their long-standing relationship, while promoting mutual understanding, the exchange of information, and in-depth discussions on key issues of cooperation. They reviewed past bilateral cooperation, identified lessons learned, and discussed strategic directions for future engagement, especially between their respective foreign ministries.

The meeting reaffirmed the importance of the historic ties between Laos and Cuba, built on mutual trust, support, and shared revolutionary values. Both parties acknowledged the steady development of cooperation across various sectors—including economy, health, education, sports, agriculture, culture, and social development—underscored by regular exchanges of high-level delegations.

The two sides agreed to: Jointly review and promote the implementation of past agreements and commitments made by high-level leaders, enhance cooperation in existing areas and explore new sectors of mutual interest and benefit, foster increased trade and investment, particularly in areas with high potential, continue supporting each other in regional and international arenas,exchange updates on domestic developments and regional and global issues of shared concern.

At the conclusion of the meeting, both delegations expressed their appreciation for the longstanding solidarity and mutual support between the two nations. They reiterated a shared commitment to further strengthening the traditional friendship and cooperative ties between the two Parties, two States, and two peoples of Laos and Cuba in a practical and meaningful way.

KPL