(KPL) The first official meeting between the Lao-Australia Friendship Association and the Australia-Laos Friendship Association was held in Vientiane on March 3, 2025. The associations, established in October 2023, were represented by Mr. Sthabandith Insixiengmay, Deputy Minister of Planning and Investment and President of the Lao-Australia Friendship Association, and Ms. Lynda Worthaisong, former Australian Ambassador to Laos and President of the Australia-Laos Friendship Association, along with vice presidents and executive committee members from both sides.

During the meeting, participants exchanged views on strengthening cooperation, discussing mechanisms for coordination, delegation exchanges, and joint activities to foster closer ties. Since their inception, the two associations have collaborated on various projects, including improving the clean water system for political and national administration institutions and organizing friendship sports events. These initiatives contributed to the celebration of the 72nd anniversary of Laos-Australia diplomatic relations and the 30th anniversary of the Lao-Thai Friendship Bridge—an iconic symbol of cooperation funded by Australia.

Following the meeting, the two associations traveled to Viengxay district, Huaphan province, to donate 75 sets of audio headsets to the local tourism office for use in tourism services.

Both sides reaffirmed their commitment to deepening the longstanding 72-year relationship between Laos and Australia, which has been elevated to a comprehensive partnership. They also agreed to expand cooperation and organize more joint activities to further enhance and strengthen bilateral ties for continued development.

KPL