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(KPL) The Secretary for Foreign Affairs of the Philippines Enrique A. Manalo, who is on a working visit to the Lao PDR between Aug 2-5, gave a lecture under the theme “Closer Together: People at the Centre of Philippines-Laos Relations” in Vientiane this morning.
(KPL) The Secretary for Foreign Affairs of the Philippines Enrique A. Manalo, who is on a working visit to the Lao PDR between Aug 2-5, gave a lecture under the theme “Closer Together: People at the Centre of Philippines-Laos Relations” in Vientiane this morning.
The lecture was attended by Director General of the Lao Institute of Foreign Affairs Mai Sayavongs, Director General of the Philippine Foreign Service Institute Maria Teresita Daza, Philippine Ambassador to Laos Deena Joy Amatong, officials from relevant offices and members of the foreign diplomatic corps in Vientiane.
Manalo’s lecture aimed to brief the participants about the foreign policy of the Philippines and review the relations and cooperation between the two countries in the past 68 years.
The Philippine top diplomat highlighted the longstanding friendship between the two countries which has enjoyed constant growth as reflected in the regular exchange of high-ranking leaders of the two countries, and the promotion of cooperation on defence and public security, trade and investment, human resource development, tourism, and drug fight.
He also highlighted bilateral cooperation on health, education, and mutual support within regional and international arenas.
“The lessons of the COVID-19 pandemic have shown pathways for the Philippines and Laos for joint efforts in enhancing healthcare delivery, preparedness, and response to future health crises. Such would give new flesh to the Agreement on Cooperation in Public Health that our governments signed here in Vientiane in October 1997,” said the Philippine foreign secretary.
Education is prominent in Laos-Philippine relationship. The two countries signed an agreement on Academic Cooperation in Higher Education in 2017, and are finalizing an agreement on Basic Education. Meanwhile, many Lao citizens have completed academic programs in the Philippines in the fields of science and technology, education, agriculture, and English, among others.
“Between us, we have some of the youngest populations in Southeast Asia. We know that the promise of the “demographic dividend” can be fulfilled only if we ensure that our young people are equipped with the knowledge and skills they need to fulfill their potentials and become drivers of social progress,” said Secretary Manalo.
The Philippine Secretary also affirmed the Philippines’ support for the Lao PDR’s ASEAN chair 2024.
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