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Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Foreign Affairs Thongsavanh Phomvihane held a bilateral meeting with Australian Foreign Minister Senator Penny Wong on July 21, 2026, on the sidelines of the 59th ASEAN Foreign Ministers' Meeting and Related Meetings, held from July 19–25 in Manila, the Philippines.
During the meeting, the Lao side expressed its sincere appreciation to the Government and people of Australia for their longstanding support across a broad range of sectors, noting that Australian assistance has made a significant contribution to Laos' socio-economic development. The two ministers also reaffirmed the enduring friendship and close cooperation that have continued to deepen over more than seven decades.
The ministers exchanged views on the investigation into the deaths of two Australian tourists in November 2024, with both sides emphasizing the importance of continued communication and cooperation on the matter.
Laos and Australia established diplomatic relations in 1952 and have maintained regular high-level exchanges and close cooperation in bilateral, regional, and international forums, including under the ASEAN–Australia partnership and other multilateral mechanisms.
In 2024, the two countries elevated their relationship to a Comprehensive Partnership, marking a new milestone in bilateral relations. Both sides also looked ahead to the 75th anniversary of diplomatic relations in 2027, reaffirming their shared commitment to further expanding cooperation for the mutual benefit of both countries.
KPL
