(KPL) — Sonexay Siphandone on March 18 received a courtesy call from Carlos Felipe Jaramillo, Vice President for East Asia and the Pacific at the World Bank, at the Prime Minister’s Office in Vientiane.

Prime Minister Sonexay extended a warm welcome to the visiting delegation, highlighting the more than six decades of cooperation between Laos and the World Bank. He noted that the visit provides an important opportunity to exchange views on the country’s socio-economic development priorities and to further strengthen bilateral cooperation.

During the meeting, the Prime Minister expressed appreciation for the World Bank’s continued support, describing it as instrumental to Laos’ steady socio-economic progress. He outlined key areas for future collaboration, including maintaining economic stability, promoting sustainable growth, developing human capital, expanding employment opportunities, and advancing the use of modern technology.

He also emphasized the importance of environmental protection, sustainable natural resource management, and strengthening resilience to climate change and natural disasters.

Mr. Jaramillo thanked the Prime Minister for the warm reception and reaffirmed the World Bank’s commitment to supporting Laos’ development agenda. He commended the government’s progress in implementing national development plans, noting improvements in infrastructure and living standards across the country.

“The World Bank will continue to support the socio-economic development of the Lao PDR to the best of its ability,” he said.

The meeting underscored the strong and enduring partnership between Laos and the World Bank, with both sides reaffirming their commitment to deepening cooperation in support of sustainable and inclusive development.

KPL