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In response to the invitation of Philippine Secretary of Foreign Affairs Ma. Theresa P. Lazaro, Mr. Thongsavanh Phomvihane, Minister of Foreign Affairs of the Lao People’s Democratic Republic (Lao PDR), along with a delegation, paid an official visit to the Republic of the Philippines and co-chaired the 3rd Lao PDR-Philippines Joint Commission for Bilateral Cooperation (JCBC) from August 13-14, 2025.
(KPL) In response to the invitation of Philippine Secretary of Foreign Affairs Ma. Theresa P. Lazaro, Mr. Thongsavanh Phomvihane, Minister of Foreign Affairs of the Lao People’s Democratic Republic (Lao PDR), along with a delegation, paid an official visit to the Republic of the Philippines and co-chaired the 3rd Lao PDR-Philippines Joint Commission for Bilateral Cooperation (JCBC) from August 13-14, 2025.
The meeting aimed to further enhance the friendly relations and good cooperation between the two countries.
On August 13, at the Philippine Department of Foreign Affairs, Minister Thongsavanh and his Philippine counterpart held bilateral talks and jointly presided over the 3rd JCBC.
The two sides reviewed their cooperation over the past two years, discussed ways to promote collaboration in various fields, and outlined future cooperation plans to deepen and expand bilateral ties.
Secretary Ma. Theresa P. Lazaro highly appreciated the Lao delegation’s visit, which significantly contributed to strengthening the friendship and cooperation between the two nations. The visit also marked the 70th anniversary of diplomatic relations between Laos and the Philippines in 2025.
Additionally, both sides discussed the invitation for Prime Minister Sonexay Siphandone to visit the Philippines by the end of this year to celebrate this important milestone.
Minister Thongsavanh also congratulated Secretary Lazaro on her recent appointment as the Philippines’ new Foreign Affairs Secretary and extended an invitation for her to officially visit Laos at a convenient time.
The two sides further reviewed and discussed cooperation in various fields, including politics, national defense, public security, economy, trade, investment, tourism, agriculture, energy, technology, communications and education as well as the collaboration between the two Foreign Ministries.
They agreed to enhance cooperation in these areas to bring tangible benefits to both nations and their peoples. The two sides also exchanged views on regional and international issues of mutual interest.
Both sides highly commended the strong friendship and cooperation maintained over the past 70 years, evidenced by regular high-level visits and participation in regional and international forums.
At the end of the meeting, Minister Thongsavanh and Secretary Lazaro signed the Minutes of the 3rd JCBC, a key document that will serve as a foundation for both Foreign Ministries and relevant sectors to explore further cooperation opportunities, particularly in clean energy, modern agriculture, trade, investment, tourism, among others.
To commemorate the 70th anniversary of diplomatic relations. A special 70th-anniversary logo was also unveiled to commemorate the occasion.
On the same day, Minister Thongsavanh and his delegation paid respects at the memorial of Dr. José Rizal, a Philippine national hero who fought for independence, and laid a wreath at the statue of President Kaysone Phomvihane, the beloved leader of the Lao people, at the ASEAN Garden. They also visited the National Museum of the Philippines and met with staff at the Lao Embassy in the Philippines.
KPL
