Lao PM Arrives in Cebu as ASEAN Leaders Discuss Middle East Crisis and Regional Economy

Prime Minister Sonexay Siphandone arrived in Cebu, Philippines on 7 May to attend the 48th ASEAN Summit, where regional leaders are discussing the economic impact of the Middle East crisis alongside ASEAN’s long-term priorities.

Ahead of the summit, ASEAN foreign and economic ministers held a joint meeting focused on concerns over energy supplies, food security, and regional economic stability linked to tensions in the Middle East.

The ministers agreed on the text of an ASEAN Leaders’ Declaration responding to the Middle East situation, which leaders are expected to endorse during the summit.

Lao, Malaysian PMs Meet

On the sidelines of the meetings, Sonexay held a bilateral meeting with Malaysian Prime Minister Anwar Ibrahim, where both leaders reaffirmed longstanding ties and agreed to expand cooperation across politics, trade, investment, energy, finance, tourism, education, and human resource development.

The two sides also discussed preparations for the 60th anniversary of diplomatic relations between Laos and Malaysia in 2026, with plans for joint commemorative activities.

Sonexay thanked Malaysia for its continued support for Laos and encouraged greater Malaysian investment in the country. He also invited Anwar Ibrahim to visit Laos in 2026 to mark the anniversary and further strengthen bilateral cooperation.

Foreign Ministers’ Meetings

Deputy Prime Minister and Foreign Minister Thongsavanh Phomvihane also joined a series of ministerial meetings on 7 May, including the ASEAN Foreign Ministers’ Meeting and the 38th ASEAN Coordinating Council.

Officials reviewed preparations for the summit and discussed issues including transnational crime, implementation of ASEAN’s five-point consensus on Myanmar, and preparations for the 50th anniversary of the Treaty of Amity and Cooperation in Southeast Asia later this year.

The summit takes place under the theme “Governing the Future of ASEAN Together” and marks the first year of implementation of the ASEAN Community Vision 2045 under the Philippines’ 2026 ASEAN chairmanship.

Laos, which currently serves as ASEAN’s coordinating country for relations with Canada, also reported progress in negotiations for a new ASEAN–Canada Action Plan covering 2026–2030.

source: https://laotiantimes.com/2026/05/08/lao-pm-arrives-in-cebu-as-asean-leaders-discuss-middle-east-crisis-and-regional-economy/