(KPL) In response to the invitation of Comrade Thongloun Sisoulith, Secretary General of the Central Committee of the Lao People’s Revolutionary Party and President of the Lao PDR, Comrade Miguel Díaz-Canel Bermúdez, First Secretary of the Central Committee of the Communist Party of Cuba and President of the Republic of Cuba, along with a high-level delegation, paid an official visit to the Lao PDR from September 6-7.

The visit aimed to further strengthen and expand the longstanding friendship and cooperation between the two nations.

On Sunday, a warm and dignified official reception ceremony was held at the Presidential Palace. Following the ceremony, Comrade Thongloun Sisoulith and Comrade Miguel Díaz-Canel Bermúdez, together with high-level delegations from both sides, held official talks to review the state of bilateral cooperation, exchange views, draw lessons, conduct strategic consultations, and set directions for future cooperation to deepen ties for the mutual benefit of both peoples.

President Thongloun warmly welcomed the Cuban delegation and highly valued the visit, noting that it marked the third time Comrade Miguel Díaz-Canel Bermúdez had visited the Lao PDR. He also conveyed fraternal greetings to the Cuban Party and State leaders. Both sides exchanged information on their respective domestic developments and expressed appreciation for the achievements each country has made.

The two leaders expressed satisfaction that relations between the Parties, States, and peoples of Laos and Cuba have continued to strengthen as strategic partners bound by common ideals. This is evidenced by the growing political cooperation and regular high-level exchanges between both countries.

Both sides highly valued cooperation in the areas of legislation, judiciary, economy and trade, public health, education, sports, agriculture, and culture, noting steady progress. They agreed to encourage relevant sectors to enhance consultations and coordination in order to deliver concrete results for both nations.

On behalf of the Lao Party, Government, and people, Comrade Thongloun expressed sincere gratitude for the invaluable support extended by Cuba during the Lao people’s national liberation struggle and throughout the subsequent period of national development.

He reaffirmed the Lao PDR’s consistent policy of preserving and strengthening the traditional solidarity and cooperation with Cuba, and expressed determination to stand shoulder-to-shoulder with the Cuban people in pursuit of new achievements in both bilateral and multilateral frameworks.

He also invited Comrade Miguel Díaz-Canel Bermúdez to participate in the celebration of the 50th anniversary of the establishment of the Lao PDR at the end of 2025.

In response, Comrade Miguel Díaz-Canel Bermúdez expressed gratitude for the warm welcome and fruitful discussions with his Lao counterpart and the Lao delegation, which were conducted in an atmosphere of fraternal friendship and mutual trust.

He reaffirmed Cuba’s commitment to further expanding the traditional friendship and cooperation established by President Kaysone Phomvihane and President Fidel Castro, and thanked the Lao PDR for its continued encouragement and support for Cuba in overcoming challenges.

During the visit, Comrade Miguel Díaz-Canel Bermúdez and the delegation laid wreaths at the Monument to Unknown Soldiers and placed flower baskets at the statue of President Kaysone Phomvihane.

KPL