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Mr. Thongsavanh Phomvihane, Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Foreign Affairs of the Lao PDR, received a courtesy call from Ms. Katharina Wieser, Ambassador Extraordinary and Plenipotentiary of Austria to the Lao PDR, on September 18, on the sidelines of the 3rd Review Conference of the Convention on Cluster Munitions, held in Vientiane from September 14–18.
(KPL) Mr. Thongsavanh expressed appreciation to Ambassador Wieser for representing Austria at the conference and highlighted the friendly relations and cooperation between Laos and Austria since the establishment of diplomatic relations on September 1, 1967.
The two sides agreed to work together to organise activities to mark the 60th anniversary of Lao-Austrian diplomatic relations in 2027, further strengthening the friendship and cooperation between the two countries.
They also discussed ways to expand economic cooperation, particularly in trade, investment and tourism, with the aim of generating greater benefits for the peoples of both countries.
The two sides exchanged views on development cooperation, including infrastructure and clean energy, and explored opportunities to mobilise support through the European Union, ASEAN-Austria cooperation and international organisations to contribute to Laos’s socio-economic development.
Mr. Thongsavanh briefed the Austrian Ambassador on Laos’s preparations for graduation from Least Developed Country (LDC) status by the end of 2026. He expressed appreciation for Austria’s previous support and requested continued assistance during the transition period, including support related to trade preferences and relevant policies, to help ensure a smooth, sustainable and high-quality graduation process.
The two sides also reaffirmed their commitment to supporting each other in regional and international forums.
As host and chair of the 3rd Review Conference of the Convention on Cluster Munitions, the Lao side expressed appreciation for Austria’s participation and support, contributing to the successful organisation and outcome of the international conference.
KPL
