(KPL) Over 70 years since its founding, the Lao People's Revolutionary Party (LPRP) has led the Lao revolution to numerous victories, achieving remarkable and comprehensive successes in safeguarding and developing the nation. Alongside these achievements, the Party has consistently pursued an open and cooperative foreign policy, tailored to the realities of Laos, the regional context, and the evolving international landscape at each stage.

Mr. Saleumxay Thanongsack, Director General of the Asia-Pacific and Africa Department at the Party Central Committee Commission for External Relations, highlighted: "International cooperation is crucial for fostering a favorable environment to support the mission of national protection and development. This is especially true in the era of regional and global integration, where such cooperation is increasingly vital to strengthening the stability of our democratic system, building a people's democracy aligned with socialist goals, and developing Laos into a peaceful, independent, democratic, unified, and prosperous nation."

President Kaysone Phomvihane once emphasized: "In today's world, cooperation among countries within each region has become a universal trend of the times. Simultaneously, we must broaden our cooperative ties with developing nations, international organizations, and even capitalist countries, based on mutual respect for independence, sovereignty, and mutual benefits. By doing so, we can harmonize our national strengths with the forces of the era, leveraging advancements in economics, science, and technology to unlock and expand our potential."

This guiding principle has firmly anchored Laos' international cooperation efforts and remains a key factor in continuing to expand and enhance foreign relations.

Expanding international cooperation plays a pivotal role in consolidating national unity, aligning with the forces of the times, and ensuring the stable outcomes of the revolution. It maximizes the benefits of protecting and developing the nation in the new era, elevating the role and influence of the Party and the Lao government at regional and international arenas. It strengthens Laos' position in dialogues, negotiations, and efforts to secure international support, while countering distorted narratives and hostile actions aimed at undermining our political system.

Moreover, it provides an excellent opportunity to promote the Party's foreign policy direction of "increasing friends and reducing enemies," fostering a friendly and cooperative environment that attracts foreign aid, investment, and support. This is grounded in the principles of independence, self-reliance, and self-strengthening, while mobilizing overseas Lao nationals to contribute to national development and the implementation of socio-economic development plans, ensuring the achievement of set goals.

KPL