The meeting was co-chaired by Mr Anouparb Vongnorkeo, Deputy Minister of Foreign Affairs of the Lao PDR, and Ms Foo Chi Tseah, Permanent Secretary for Foreign Affairs of the Republic of Singapore, alongside their respective delegations.
Reviewing more than five decades of diplomatic ties, the two sides discussed progress following the inaugural consultations hosted by Laos in 2023. Both delegations reaffirmed their commitment to strengthening high-level exchanges, people-to-people connections, business partnerships, trade and investment, education, human resource development, and defence and public security cooperation.
Expanding Trade and Green Investment
The meeting welcomed the successful commemoration of the 50th anniversary of Laos-Singapore diplomatic relations in 2024. Bilateral trade reached USD 870 million over the past five years, with Singapore ranking as the 9th largest foreign direct investor in Laos. Singaporean investments span clean energy, agriculture, construction, and hospitality.
The Lao delegation encouraged further Singaporean investment in high-potential sectors, including sustainable agriculture, green energy (hydro, solar, and wind), carbon credit trading, tourism, hotel services, and logistics.
Both sides welcomed the Memorandums of Understanding (MoUs) signed in Vientiane late last year covering environmental sustainable development and transnational crime cooperation. Singapore pledged ongoing technical support and capacity-building assistance to help operationalise these agreements.
Acknowledgement of Support and Regional Collaboration
Mr Anouparb expressed gratitude on behalf of the Lao government and people for Singapore's enduring development assistance, including human resource training, English language programmes, vocational skills development, and vital support during the COVID-19 pandemic, as well as assistance during Laos' ASEAN Chairmanship in 2024.
Ms Foo reiterated Singapore's dedication to close bilateral and multilateral coordination, particularly within ASEAN and United Nations frameworks, to deliver mutual benefits to both populations.
Courtesy Call on Senior Minister Sim Ann
Later the same day, Mr Anouparb and his delegation paid a courtesy call on Ms Sim Ann, Senior Minister of State for Foreign Affairs and Home Affairs of Singapore.
Minister Sim Ann welcomed the Lao delegation and praised the steady momentum of bilateral relations. She also confirmed Singapore's readiness to host the upcoming state visit of the President of the Lao PDR following his re-election for a second term.