(KPL) Minister of Education and Sports Thongsalith Mangnormek received a courtesy call from Elizabeth Te, the new Ambassador of the Philippines to the Lao PDR, on August 20 in Vientiane.

During the meeting, the minister expressed appreciation for the ambassador’s visit and briefed her on recent achievements in education, science, sports, and human resource development in Laos.

He highlighted ongoing efforts to finalize a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) on Common Education between the Lao Ministry of Education and Sports and the Philippine Ministry of Education, noting the importance of coordination with relevant agencies, including the Philippine Embassy, to strengthen bilateral cooperation.

Both sides also agreed to revitalize implementation of two existing MoUs on Higher Education and Sports by encouraging joint activities and student participation in scholarship opportunities.

Ambassador Te congratulated Minister Thongsalith on his new appointment and reaffirmed the Philippines’ commitment to advancing cooperation with Laos.

She noted that Souphanouvong University and the Negros Island Student Foundation signed an MoU in 2024 on academic cooperation and exchanges.

She also emphasized that the Philippine government continues to provide long-term scholarships for Lao students and staff through programmes such as AUN/SEED Net JICA, SEAMEO SEARCA, and ADB. These scholarships are openly available through online applications to government officials, private employees, and students alike.

KPL