(KPL) The Ministries of Foreign Affairs of the Lao PDR and the Bolivarian Republic of Venezuela held the second Political Consultation Meeting on December 19, 2024, in Vientiane.

The meeting was co-chaired by Phoxay Khaykhamphithoune, Deputy Minister of Foreign Affairs of the Lao PDR, and Tatiana Pugh Moreno, Deputy Minister of Foreign Affairs of the Bolivarian Republic of Venezuela, with delegations from both sides in attendance.

The consultation aimed to reinforce and expand the long-standing friendship and cooperation between Laos and Venezuela. It served to enhance mutual understanding, exchange information and perspectives, and review the progress of bilateral cooperation.

The meeting also sought to draw lessons, discuss strategic directions, and outline future collaboration between the two countries, particularly between the two foreign ministries, to deepen their cooperation.

During the meeting, both sides provided updates on their domestic situations, exchanged views on regional and international issues of mutual interest, and acknowledged the significance of the bilateral relationship.

They highlighted the strong and enduring friendship between Laos and Venezuela, marked by high-level exchanges, mutual support in regional and international forums, and regular party-to-party and state-to-state interactions.

Early this month, Party leaders of the two countries signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) on a five-year cooperation framework between the two Parties (2024–2029). On this occasion, both sides reaffirmed their commitment to advancing cooperation in the future.

They agreed to continue promoting high-level exchanges between the two countries, enhance economic, trade, and investment collaboration, and expand cooperation in areas of mutual strength and interest, particularly in energy, agriculture, and tourism.

Additionally, they pledged to encourage people-to-people exchanges between the two nations and jointly organize various activities to celebrate the 20th anniversary of diplomatic relations between the Lao PDR and the Bolivarian Republic of Venezuela in 2025 (October 5, 2005–2025).

Both parties also committed to continuing mutual support and assistance at the regional and international levels.

Furthermore, the two sides signed an agreement on visa exemptions for holders of diplomatic and official passports between the Lao PDR and the Bolivarian Republic of Venezuela. Representing the Lao government was Mr. Phoxay Khaykhamphithoune, Deputy Minister of Foreign Affairs, while representing the Venezuelan government was Ms. Tatiana Pugh Moreno, Deputy Minister of Foreign Affairs.

The signing of this agreement marks a significant milestone in strengthening bilateral cooperation between the two countries, particularly by facilitating travel for diplomatic and government officials of both nations.

KPL