(KPL)  The 12th Joint Commission Meeting on Trade, Economic, Scientific, and Technical Cooperation between Laos and Mongolia was held in Vientiane, reinforcing the two nations' commitment to expanding bilateral collaboration.

The meeting was co-chaired by Dr. Bounfeng Phoummalaysith, Minister of Health of Laos, and Delgersaikhan Borkhuu, Minister of Road and Transport Development of Mongolia, with representatives from both governments in attendance.

This high-level gathering served as a crucial mechanism to assess past achievements and set new goals for future cooperation, following agreements reached by the leadership of both countries. Laos and Mongolia have enjoyed growing diplomatic and economic relations, underscored by high-level visits, including Mongolian President Khurelsukh Ukhnaa’s state visit to Laos in 2023 and Lao President Thongloun Sisoulith’s reciprocal visit to Mongolia in 2024.

Both sides reaffirmed their commitment to deepening economic, trade, and investment cooperation. The Lao National Chamber of Commerce and Industry and its Mongolian counterpart were tasked with facilitating stronger private-sector partnerships. The meeting also emphasized the need to expand trade and business engagements between enterprises in both countries.

Agriculture was identified as a key sector for enhanced cooperation. Mongolia expressed its willingness to support Mongolian businesses in investing in Laos' livestock industry, with a focus on improving technical standards and processing sheep products such as meat and wool.

Both sides explored potential avenues to improve logistics and trade, particularly leveraging the Laos-China railway for agricultural exports and imports. Additionally, discussions included the feasibility of launching direct flights between Laos and Mongolia to enhance connectivity for business and tourism.

Laos and Mongolia reaffirmed their commitment to working together in regional and international forums, particularly within ASEAN and among developing landlocked nations. Both sides underscored the importance of cooperation in areas such as politics, security, infrastructure, public health, education, and cultural exchange.

At the conclusion of the meeting, both parties signed a document formalizing the agreements and decisions made, ensuring structured implementation for mutual benefit. The signed document provides a solid foundation for further cooperation and practical outcomes that will benefit the people of both countries.

The 13th Joint Commission Meeting is set to take place in Mongolia in 2027, continuing the momentum of strengthened ties and strategic collaboration between the two nations.

KPL