(KPL) From September 3–6, 2025, Mr. Sonexay Siphandone, Prime Minister of the Lao People’s Democratic Republic, led a delegation of government and business representatives to participate in the 10th Eastern Economic Forum (EEF) in Vladivostok, Russia, under the theme: “Far East: Cooperation for Peace and Prosperity.”

The forum aimed to strengthen cooperation, trade, and investment between Russia and its partners, with a particular focus on the Far East, East Asia, and the Asia-Pacific region.

At the invitation of Russian President Vladimir Putin, the Lao Prime Minister attended as an honored guest. He delivered a speech and took part in the plenary session alongside President Putin and high-level representatives from Mongolia and China.

In his remarks, Mr. Sonexay highlighted global and regional challenges affecting the world economy, calling for closer cooperation through consultation and multilateral mechanisms based on mutual respect and adherence to international law. He underlined Russia’s significant role in international affairs and emphasized the importance of multilateral cooperation in maintaining peace, stability, security, and advancing shared prosperity.

The Prime Minister also reflected on the long-standing partnership between Laos and Russia, noting the 65th anniversary of diplomatic relations in 2025. He further outlined Laos’s policy of regional connectivity, aimed at transforming the country from landlocked to land-linked, which has been progressing steadily.

Established in 2015, the Eastern Economic Forum has become a key platform for promoting trade, investment, and economic cooperation at regional and global levels. Each year, it brings together policymakers from the public and private sectors to exchange development visions and address emerging economic challenges.

On the sidelines of the forum, Prime Minister Sonexay held a courtesy meeting with President Vladimir Putin to advance bilateral relations. He also chaired the Lao PDR–Russia Business Forum to encourage expanded economic cooperation, gave interviews to Russian media to promote Laos’s trade and investment policies, and received courtesy visits from Mr. Ivan Polyakov, Chairman of the Russia–ASEAN Business Council, as well as Lao students studying in Vladivostok.

Laos’s active participation in the 10th Eastern Economic Forum was warmly welcomed and considered a success, contributing to the strengthening of bilateral and multilateral relations and opening new opportunities for future cooperation.

KPL