External Affairs Minister Dr S Jaishankar today held meeting with Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Foreign Affairs of the Lao People’s Democratic Republic Thongsavan Phomvihane in New Delhi.
In his remarks, Dr Jaishankar said, India and Lao PDR have close civilisational ties, reflected in the common heritage of Buddhism and Ramayan. He said the relations go back in history based on deep cultural and people-to-people linkages.
Dr Jaishankar said, Prime Minister Narendra Modi visited the Lao PDR in October 2024 and on that occasion, several Agreements and MoUs were signed. He said, today both sides have an opportunity to review them, to explore a wide-ranging agenda, to look at the political cooperation, economic ties, defence, development partnerships, education, cultural to cultural and the multilateral cooperation.
Mr Phomvihane said, this meeting provides an excellent opportunity for the two sides to take stock of progress and achievements in our bilateral cooperation. He said this year both sides should continue to chart the future direction that brings about tangible benefits to the two nations.
Mr Phomvihane said, his visit aims to further strengthen and enhance the longstanding friendly relationship and fruitful cooperation of the past seven decades across all key sectors. He said that over the past 70 years, the friendship and cooperation have continued and flourished, highlighted by regular exchange of visits.
The Deputy Prime Minister and Foreign Minister of Lao PDR said, this engagement underscores the strong bond and reaffirms the shared commitments despite the current regional and global economic uncertainty and challenges.
He said, Government of Lao PDR highly appreciates the valuable assistance and continuous support from the Government and the people of India, both bilateral and within the regional and international frameworks, including ASEAN and United Nations.
