KPL
Laos and Azerbaijan held their first political consultation on 8 December in Vientiane, signalling a stronger push to deepen bilateral cooperation. The meeting was co-chaired by Lao Deputy Foreign Minister Maithong Thammavongsa and his Azerbaijani counterpart Elnur Mammadov, with officials from both governments in attendance.
Mr Maithong welcomed the Azerbaijani delegation, noting that the inaugural consultation reflects growing momentum in the relationship as the two countries mark the 30th anniversary of diplomatic ties, established in May 1995.
Both sides reviewed progress in recent years and discussed plans to expand cooperation in political affairs, parliamentary exchanges, trade and investment, tourism, education and UXO clearance. They also highlighted the importance of the 2025 anniversary events and recalled the meeting between Presidents Thongloun Sisoulith and Ilham Aliyev at the BRICS Summit in Kazan in 2024, which strengthened political commitment.
In Vientiane, Mr Mammadov paid courtesy calls on senior Lao leaders, including National Assembly Vice President Sounthone Xayachak, and attended a reception hosted by Foreign Minister Thongsavanh Phomvihane. The delegation also visited cultural and tourist sites in Vientiane.
The successful consultations underscored the two nations’ commitment to broadening cooperation across multiple sectors in the years ahead.
KPL
