Laos took center stage in regional diplomacy during the 57th ASEAN Foreign Ministers’ Meeting (AMM) from 24-27 July. Throughout the event, Lao and regional leaders engaged in high-profile bilateral and trilateral talks on the meeting’s sidelines.
On 27 July, Lao Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Foreign Affairs Saleumxay Kommasith met United States Secretary of State Antony Blinken to commemorate their countries’ 69-year relationship, now elevated to a Comprehensive Partnership. The discussion highlighted ongoing cooperation in health, education, trade, law enforcement, drug prevention, and unexploded ordnance clearance.
Saleumxay meets with European Union (EU) High Representative Josep Borrell (Photo: Lao National Radio)
The same day, Saleumxay also met with European Union (EU) High Representative Josep Borrell, marking 49 years of Laos-EU relations. The talks highlighted the EU’s support for Laos’ socio-economic development and its ambition to graduate from Least Developed Country status by 2026. Saleumxay expressed gratitude for EU aid, particularly through the Team Europe initiative.
On 25 July, Laos, China, and Russia held their first trilateral meeting, with Saleumxay, China’s Foreign Minister Wang Yi, and Russia’s Foreign Minister Sergey Lavrov at the helm.
China’s Foreign Minister Wang Yi (Photo: Lao National Radio)
The meeting focused on regional and international issues, emphasizing the benefits of trilateral cooperation. Discussions included enhancing communication and transportation links, particularly through the Lao-China railway, which aims to connect with Russia and Europe to boost regional transportation and tourism.
Saleumxay also conducted separate meetings with Chinese and Russian officials. The meeting with Chinese Foreign Minister Wang Yi resulted in the signing of three agreements, including grants for upgrading Luang Prabang Provincial Hospital and a secondary school in Savannakhet, as well as providing equipment for Laos’ 2025 population census.
Russia’s Foreign Minister Sergey Lavrov
With Russian Foreign Minister Sergey Lavrov, Saleumxay signed three documents including an agreement on information security and communication technology, a consultation plan for the foreign ministries for the 2024-2026, and a memorandum for a trial program to teach Russian in Lao secondary schools. Lavrov extended invitations to the BRICS Summit and the Eastern Economic Forum in Vladivostok, Russia.
Further discussions included meetings with counterparts from Japan, Australia, the UK, Türkiye, South Korea, India, New Zealand, Switzerland, Canada, and Cambodia.
Japanese Foreign Minister Yoko Kamikawa
In a gathering with Japanese Foreign Minister Yoko Kamikawa, Saleumxay reaffirmed their strategic partnership, discussing high-level visits and cooperation in anticipation of the 70th anniversary of diplomatic relations and the 10th anniversary of their strategic partnership in 2025.
Saleumxay and Australian Foreign Minister Penny Wong
Saleumxay and Australian Foreign Minister Penny Wong also discussed cooperation between their countries. They further focused on attracting Australian investment in Laos, noting significant milestones like Lao Prime Minister Sonexay Siphandone’s visit to Australia.
UK Foreign Minister David Lammy and
Meanwhile, on his first visit to Laos, UK Foreign Minister David Lammy signed a Memorandum of Understanding on the Green Economy Framework, strengthening bilateral ties and cooperation on environmental issues.
Turkish Foreign Minister Hakan Fidan and his counterpart Saluemxay
Turkish Foreign Minister Hakan Fidan also visited Laos, marking the 66-year partnership between the two nations. They agreed to establish a cooperation committee to boost economic and trade relations.
Similarly, South Korean Foreign Minister Cho Tae-yul’s visit centered on celebrating 30 years of diplomatic relations in 2025 and enhancing economic and tourism cooperation.
Indian Foreign Minister Subrahmanyam Jaishankar and
In a meeting with Indian Foreign Minister Subrahmanyam Jaishankar, the two sides pledged to boost bilateral cooperation and support existing projects, while exploring new collaboration opportunities. They highlighted their joint efforts under the Mekong–Ganga Cooperation, noting that USD 1.2 million was allocated for 26 projects. They also signed a new Memorandum of Understanding for 10 additional projects, totaling USD 486,288.
Laos and Switzerland marked 60 years of diplomatic relations, with Switzerland pledging ongoing support for Laos’ development and signing a new air services agreement, replacing the outdated 1999 accord. The MOU offers airlines more operational flexibility, allowing unlimited designations and code-sharing, thereby expanding travel options for passengers.
Canadian Foreign Minister Mélanie Joly and
During Canadian Foreign Minister Mélanie Joly’s visit to Laos, the two countries celebrated the 50th anniversary of their diplomatic relations and Canada’s 157th National Day. The discussion highlighted strong cooperation in unexploded ordnance clearance, education, and trade, with bilateral trade reaching USD 141.5 million from 2019 to 2023. Laos was also recognized as the ASEAN-Canada coordinating country for the period from July 2024 to 2027.
To close the four-day summit, Saleumxay thanked all the leaders who participated in the AMM and related meetings, noting these gatherings as valuable opportunities to enhance cooperation across various sectors. Additionally, with many foreign ministers marking their first visit to Laos, he encouraged them to explore and experience more of what the country has to offer.
The Mekong River Commission (MRC) has officially announced the Republic of Korea (ROK) as its newest Development Partner. In a move towards enhancing regional cooperation, the ROK has committed a USD 1 million grant for the year 2024, with prospects for continued contributions in the future. This funding is earmarked to support the implementation of the Basin Development Strategy 2021-2030 and the MRC Strategic Plan 2021-2025, both crucial for the sustainable management of the Mekong River Basin.
The official signing ceremony took place on 25 July at the MRC headquarters in Vientiane, Laos. The event was marked by the signing of the grant note by Kim Dong-bae, Director-General of the ASEAN and Southeast Asia Affairs Bureau at Korea’s Ministry of Foreign Affairs, and MRC Secretariat CEO Anoulak Kittikhoun. The Korean delegation was represented by Kim Dong-bae and the Korean Ambassador to Laos, Jung Yung Soo.
During the ceremony, Kim Dong-bae highlighted the importance of this partnership in promoting sustainable development and fostering regional cooperation within the Mekong River Basin. He emphasized that Korea’s involvement aligns with the strategic objectives of the MRC, aiming to balance economic growth, environmental protection, and social development in the region.
“As a friend of the Mekong countries and a member of our region, it is high-time for the Republic of Korea to join the premier regional body for Mekong river basin management as a Development Partner. This will add a strategic approach to cooperation and build on past and ongoing collaborations between the MRC and various Korean agencies,” said Anoulak Kittikhoun, CEO of the Mekong River Commission Secretariat.
The partnership comes at a crucial time as the region faces challenges such as sustainable development, climate change, and water security. By adopting a collaborative approach, the MRC seeks to bolster its efforts in promoting regional cooperation and ensuring the sustainable management of the Mekong River Basin’s resources. This collaboration aims to enhance the prosperity, peace, and resilience of the Mekong region’s communities.
As a Development Partner, the ROK joins a diverse group of countries that contribute financial resources to the MRC’s mission. This support is vital for the sustainable management and development of the Mekong River Basin, ensuring long-term benefits for the region’s inhabitants and environment.
https://www.tourismlaos.org/wp-content/uploads/2024/08/image-4.png502720Sylivanla Vongphachanhhttps://www.tourismlaos.org/wp-content/uploads/2025/05/Lao-Simply-Beautiful-.webpSylivanla Vongphachanh2024-08-16 04:30:002024-08-09 16:32:31South Korea Joins Forces with Mekong River Commission to Transform Mekong River Basin
Vientiane recently hosted the 57th ASEAN Foreign Ministers’ Meeting (AMM) and other related gatherings. From 24-27 July, the event, led by Laos’ Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Foreign Affairs, Saleumxay Kommasith, encompassed a series of discussions, bilateral talks, and strategic agreements, underscoring the region’s commitment to unity and progress.
Strengthening Regional Bonds
During the AMM, 25 ministerial meetings took place, focusing on critical areas such as regional community building, economic integration, and security. The foreign ministers reviewed advancements in ASEAN’s strategic plans, including the forthcoming ASEAN Community Vision 2045, slated for adoption next year. The plan aims to enhance regional integration, economic cooperation, political stability, socio-cultural development, sustainability, and innovation, ensuring a cohesive and resilient Southeast Asian community.
Another key outcome of the AMM was the reaffirmation of the commitment to engage nuclear-armed states—China, France, Russia, the UK, and the US—in acceding to the Protocol to the Southeast Asian Nuclear-Weapon-Free Zone Treaty (SEANWFZ).
Discussions also covered major global issues, including the situation in Myanmar, the Korean peninsula, the South China Sea, Ukraine, and the Middle East. The ministers emphasized the importance of reinforcing ASEAN unity and centrality in dealings with external partners, aiming to foster mutual trust and create an inclusive regional architecture centered around ASEAN.
The AMM also noted growing interest from non-regional countries in joining the Treaty of Amity and Cooperation in Southeast Asia (TAC). Algeria, Finland, Luxembourg, Spain, and Mexico are among the nations anticipated to accede to the treaty soon.
Building Strategic Partnerships
The ASEAN foreign ministers engaged in 11 Post-Ministerial Conferences with their counterparts from dialogue partners, including Australia, Canada, China, the European Union, India, Japan, New Zealand, South Korea, Russia, the United States, and the United Kingdom. These meetings reviewed cooperative progress across various sectors, including trade, investment, connectivity, food and energy security, youth, tourism, and people-to-people exchanges.
Secretary-General of ASEAN Kao Kim Hourn started his first bilateral meeting by meeting with the Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Foreign Affairs of Laos Saleumxay Kommasith. (Photo: ASEAN/Facebook)
The discussions highlighted significant anniversaries, such as the 50th anniversary of ASEAN-Australia Dialogue relations and the establishment of the ASEAN-Japan Comprehensive Strategic Partnership and ASEAN-Canada Strategic Partnership.
Several key documents were also adopted, including the Plan of Action to Implement the ASEAN-Australia Comprehensive Strategic Partnership (2025-2029) and joint statements with China, Russia, the UK, and South Korea on various strategic partnerships.
Mekong Cooperation
Laos, in collaboration with Japan, South Korea, and the US, hosted three key ministerial meetings under the Mekong framework.
Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Foreign Affairs of Laos Saleumxay Kommasith. (Photo: ASEAN/Facebook)
These included the 15th Mekong-Japan Foreign Ministers’ Meeting, the 12th Mekong-ROK Foreign Ministers’ Meeting, and the 3rd Mekong-US Partnership Foreign Ministers’ Meeting. The focus was on reviewing past cooperation and discussing future collaboration directions.
As the meetings concluded, Deputy Prime Minister Saleumxay expressed gratitude to all participants and the media, encouraging them to explore Laos further during their stay. He stated that these successful outcomes set the stage for the 44th and 45th ASEAN Summits and Related Summits, scheduled for October in Vientiane.
This year, Laos has assumed the ASEAN Chairmanship for the third time, under the theme “ASEAN: Enhancing Connectivity and Resilience.”
Laos Becomes Diplomatic Powerhouse During ASEAN Summit
Laos took center stage in regional diplomacy during the 57th ASEAN Foreign Ministers’ Meeting (AMM) from 24-27 July. Throughout the event, Lao and regional leaders engaged in high-profile bilateral and trilateral talks on the meeting’s sidelines.
On 27 July, Lao Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Foreign Affairs Saleumxay Kommasith met United States Secretary of State Antony Blinken to commemorate their countries’ 69-year relationship, now elevated to a Comprehensive Partnership. The discussion highlighted ongoing cooperation in health, education, trade, law enforcement, drug prevention, and unexploded ordnance clearance.
The same day, Saleumxay also met with European Union (EU) High Representative Josep Borrell, marking 49 years of Laos-EU relations. The talks highlighted the EU’s support for Laos’ socio-economic development and its ambition to graduate from Least Developed Country status by 2026. Saleumxay expressed gratitude for EU aid, particularly through the Team Europe initiative.
On 25 July, Laos, China, and Russia held their first trilateral meeting, with Saleumxay, China’s Foreign Minister Wang Yi, and Russia’s Foreign Minister Sergey Lavrov at the helm.
The meeting focused on regional and international issues, emphasizing the benefits of trilateral cooperation. Discussions included enhancing communication and transportation links, particularly through the Lao-China railway, which aims to connect with Russia and Europe to boost regional transportation and tourism.
Saleumxay also conducted separate meetings with Chinese and Russian officials. The meeting with Chinese Foreign Minister Wang Yi resulted in the signing of three agreements, including grants for upgrading Luang Prabang Provincial Hospital and a secondary school in Savannakhet, as well as providing equipment for Laos’ 2025 population census.
With Russian Foreign Minister Sergey Lavrov, Saleumxay signed three documents including an agreement on information security and communication technology, a consultation plan for the foreign ministries for the 2024-2026, and a memorandum for a trial program to teach Russian in Lao secondary schools. Lavrov extended invitations to the BRICS Summit and the Eastern Economic Forum in Vladivostok, Russia.
Further discussions included meetings with counterparts from Japan, Australia, the UK, Türkiye, South Korea, India, New Zealand, Switzerland, Canada, and Cambodia.
In a gathering with Japanese Foreign Minister Yoko Kamikawa, Saleumxay reaffirmed their strategic partnership, discussing high-level visits and cooperation in anticipation of the 70th anniversary of diplomatic relations and the 10th anniversary of their strategic partnership in 2025.
Saleumxay and Australian Foreign Minister Penny Wong also discussed cooperation between their countries. They further focused on attracting Australian investment in Laos, noting significant milestones like Lao Prime Minister Sonexay Siphandone’s visit to Australia.
Meanwhile, on his first visit to Laos, UK Foreign Minister David Lammy signed a Memorandum of Understanding on the Green Economy Framework, strengthening bilateral ties and cooperation on environmental issues.
Turkish Foreign Minister Hakan Fidan also visited Laos, marking the 66-year partnership between the two nations. They agreed to establish a cooperation committee to boost economic and trade relations.
Similarly, South Korean Foreign Minister Cho Tae-yul’s visit centered on celebrating 30 years of diplomatic relations in 2025 and enhancing economic and tourism cooperation.
In a meeting with Indian Foreign Minister Subrahmanyam Jaishankar, the two sides pledged to boost bilateral cooperation and support existing projects, while exploring new collaboration opportunities. They highlighted their joint efforts under the Mekong–Ganga Cooperation, noting that USD 1.2 million was allocated for 26 projects. They also signed a new Memorandum of Understanding for 10 additional projects, totaling USD 486,288.
Laos and Switzerland marked 60 years of diplomatic relations, with Switzerland pledging ongoing support for Laos’ development and signing a new air services agreement, replacing the outdated 1999 accord. The MOU offers airlines more operational flexibility, allowing unlimited designations and code-sharing, thereby expanding travel options for passengers.
During Canadian Foreign Minister Mélanie Joly’s visit to Laos, the two countries celebrated the 50th anniversary of their diplomatic relations and Canada’s 157th National Day. The discussion highlighted strong cooperation in unexploded ordnance clearance, education, and trade, with bilateral trade reaching USD 141.5 million from 2019 to 2023. Laos was also recognized as the ASEAN-Canada coordinating country for the period from July 2024 to 2027.
Additionally, Laos’ Ministry of Technology and Communications held a bilateral meeting with the Ministry of Post and Telecommunications of Cambodia, focusing on digital services and blockchain use. Cambodia donated 300 computers to Laos as part of their cooperation.
To close the four-day summit, Saleumxay thanked all the leaders who participated in the AMM and related meetings, noting these gatherings as valuable opportunities to enhance cooperation across various sectors. Additionally, with many foreign ministers marking their first visit to Laos, he encouraged them to explore and experience more of what the country has to offer.
Source: https://laotiantimes.com/2024/07/30/laos-becomes-diplomatic-powerhouse-during-asean-summit/
South Korea Joins Forces with Mekong River Commission to Transform Mekong River Basin
The Mekong River Commission (MRC) has officially announced the Republic of Korea (ROK) as its newest Development Partner. In a move towards enhancing regional cooperation, the ROK has committed a USD 1 million grant for the year 2024, with prospects for continued contributions in the future. This funding is earmarked to support the implementation of the Basin Development Strategy 2021-2030 and the MRC Strategic Plan 2021-2025, both crucial for the sustainable management of the Mekong River Basin.
The official signing ceremony took place on 25 July at the MRC headquarters in Vientiane, Laos. The event was marked by the signing of the grant note by Kim Dong-bae, Director-General of the ASEAN and Southeast Asia Affairs Bureau at Korea’s Ministry of Foreign Affairs, and MRC Secretariat CEO Anoulak Kittikhoun. The Korean delegation was represented by Kim Dong-bae and the Korean Ambassador to Laos, Jung Yung Soo.
During the ceremony, Kim Dong-bae highlighted the importance of this partnership in promoting sustainable development and fostering regional cooperation within the Mekong River Basin. He emphasized that Korea’s involvement aligns with the strategic objectives of the MRC, aiming to balance economic growth, environmental protection, and social development in the region.
“As a friend of the Mekong countries and a member of our region, it is high-time for the Republic of Korea to join the premier regional body for Mekong river basin management as a Development Partner. This will add a strategic approach to cooperation and build on past and ongoing collaborations between the MRC and various Korean agencies,” said Anoulak Kittikhoun, CEO of the Mekong River Commission Secretariat.
The partnership comes at a crucial time as the region faces challenges such as sustainable development, climate change, and water security. By adopting a collaborative approach, the MRC seeks to bolster its efforts in promoting regional cooperation and ensuring the sustainable management of the Mekong River Basin’s resources. This collaboration aims to enhance the prosperity, peace, and resilience of the Mekong region’s communities.
As a Development Partner, the ROK joins a diverse group of countries that contribute financial resources to the MRC’s mission. This support is vital for the sustainable management and development of the Mekong River Basin, ensuring long-term benefits for the region’s inhabitants and environment.
Source: https://laotiantimes.com/2024/07/30/south-korea-joins-forces-with-mekong-river-commission-to-transform-mekong-river-basin/
ASEAN Talks Next Chapter: Laos Wraps Up Key Foreign Ministers’ Summit
Vientiane recently hosted the 57th ASEAN Foreign Ministers’ Meeting (AMM) and other related gatherings. From 24-27 July, the event, led by Laos’ Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Foreign Affairs, Saleumxay Kommasith, encompassed a series of discussions, bilateral talks, and strategic agreements, underscoring the region’s commitment to unity and progress.
Strengthening Regional Bonds
During the AMM, 25 ministerial meetings took place, focusing on critical areas such as regional community building, economic integration, and security. The foreign ministers reviewed advancements in ASEAN’s strategic plans, including the forthcoming ASEAN Community Vision 2045, slated for adoption next year. The plan aims to enhance regional integration, economic cooperation, political stability, socio-cultural development, sustainability, and innovation, ensuring a cohesive and resilient Southeast Asian community.
Another key outcome of the AMM was the reaffirmation of the commitment to engage nuclear-armed states—China, France, Russia, the UK, and the US—in acceding to the Protocol to the Southeast Asian Nuclear-Weapon-Free Zone Treaty (SEANWFZ).
Expanding Alliances
Additionally, Timor-Leste’s accession to this treaty was approved, marking a step towards its full ASEAN membership, as it is currently an observer.
Discussions also covered major global issues, including the situation in Myanmar, the Korean peninsula, the South China Sea, Ukraine, and the Middle East. The ministers emphasized the importance of reinforcing ASEAN unity and centrality in dealings with external partners, aiming to foster mutual trust and create an inclusive regional architecture centered around ASEAN.
The AMM also noted growing interest from non-regional countries in joining the Treaty of Amity and Cooperation in Southeast Asia (TAC). Algeria, Finland, Luxembourg, Spain, and Mexico are among the nations anticipated to accede to the treaty soon.
Building Strategic Partnerships
The ASEAN foreign ministers engaged in 11 Post-Ministerial Conferences with their counterparts from dialogue partners, including Australia, Canada, China, the European Union, India, Japan, New Zealand, South Korea, Russia, the United States, and the United Kingdom. These meetings reviewed cooperative progress across various sectors, including trade, investment, connectivity, food and energy security, youth, tourism, and people-to-people exchanges.
The discussions highlighted significant anniversaries, such as the 50th anniversary of ASEAN-Australia Dialogue relations and the establishment of the ASEAN-Japan Comprehensive Strategic Partnership and ASEAN-Canada Strategic Partnership.
Several key documents were also adopted, including the Plan of Action to Implement the ASEAN-Australia Comprehensive Strategic Partnership (2025-2029) and joint statements with China, Russia, the UK, and South Korea on various strategic partnerships.
Mekong Cooperation
Laos, in collaboration with Japan, South Korea, and the US, hosted three key ministerial meetings under the Mekong framework.
These included the 15th Mekong-Japan Foreign Ministers’ Meeting, the 12th Mekong-ROK Foreign Ministers’ Meeting, and the 3rd Mekong-US Partnership Foreign Ministers’ Meeting. The focus was on reviewing past cooperation and discussing future collaboration directions.
As the meetings concluded, Deputy Prime Minister Saleumxay expressed gratitude to all participants and the media, encouraging them to explore Laos further during their stay. He stated that these successful outcomes set the stage for the 44th and 45th ASEAN Summits and Related Summits, scheduled for October in Vientiane.
This year, Laos has assumed the ASEAN Chairmanship for the third time, under the theme “ASEAN: Enhancing Connectivity and Resilience.”
Source: https://laotiantimes.com/2024/07/30/asean-talks-next-chapter-laos-wraps-up-key-foreign-ministers-summit/