(KPL) Yesterday, at the National Convention Center in Vientiane, Lao Prime Minister Sonexay Siphandone met with Malaysian Prime Minister Anwar Ibrahim during their visit to attend the 44th and 45th ASEAN Summits and related meetings.

Both leaders expressed appreciation for the strong and enduring friendship and cooperation between Laos and Malaysia, which has flourished over the past five decades. This relationship has been marked by regular exchanges between the two countries' leaders and people, as well as growing trade and investment ties. Malaysia is currently the fifth-largest foreign investor in Laos, with 46 projects worth USD 942 million in sectors such as energy, wood processing, construction, banking, and hotel services.

The two prime ministers also discussed future collaboration, particularly in the electricity sector, with the goal of advancing the ASEAN Power Grid initiative.

Prime Minister Sonexay thanked the Malaysian government and its people for their continued support, especially in the area of human resource development, and for backing Laos' ASEAN Chairmanship in 2024. He also pledged to support Malaysia’s ASEAN Chairmanship in 2025, sharing lessons and experiences to ensure its success.

In response, Prime Minister Anwar Ibrahim expressed gratitude for the warm reception and reaffirmed Malaysia’s commitment to continue its cooperation with Laos. He also extended his best wishes for a successful ASEAN Chairmanship for Laos in 2024.

KPL