Sultan Haji Hassanal Bolkiah of Brunei is leading a high-ranking delegation on a state visit to Laos from 3 to 4 October to strengthen friendship and cooperation between the two countries on the 30th anniversary of diplomatic relations.
Deputy Prime Minister and Foreign Minister Saleumxay Kommasith welcomed the Brunei delegation at Wattay International Airport in Vientiane Capital on the evening of 2 October.
Today, President Thongloun Sisoulith and Sultan Haji Hassanal Bolkiah kicked off the first of two days of diplomatic meetings at the Presidential Palace.
As both parties expressed gratitude for the ongoing mutual support, the Lao president stressed his appreciation for Brunei’s assistance throughout the past three decades, especially in the fields of education and human resource development.
Minutes later, Sultan Haji Hassanal Bolkiah conveyed deep gratitude for the Lao government’s decision to award him the national gold medal in recognition of his contributions to the two countries’ enduring and steady assistance to Laos, as he reaffirmed his country’s support for Laos’ upcoming ASEAN chairmanship in 2024.
The two leaders further agreed to continue promoting economic cooperation, such as trade and investment, especially in sectors such as transportation, green agriculture, production of goods for export, energy, and eco-tourism.
To conclude the official gathering, President Thongloun and Sultan Haji Hassanal Bolkiah signed a joint statement on the Lao-Brunei strategic partnership.
This is Sultan Haji Hassanal Bolkiah’s third visit to Laos since the two countries established diplomatic relations on 27 July 1993.
https://www.tourismlaos.org/wp-content/uploads/2023/10/4.jpg6271200Soutsada Xaphouvonghttps://www.tourismlaos.org/wp-content/uploads/2025/05/Lao-Simply-Beautiful-.webpSoutsada Xaphouvong2023-10-04 11:30:002023-10-04 11:19:32Lao President Kicks Off Meeting with Brunei Sultan on 30th Anniversary of Diplomatic Relations
Visit Laos Year 2024 to be officially launched in November
The Visit Laos Year 2024 tourism promotion campaign will be officially launched on November 23, with the opening ceremony to take place on the That Luang esplanade, according to the Ministry of Information, Culture and Tourism. The date was agreed to at a national meeting convened to prepare for the launch of Visit Laos Year 2024, held in Vientiane last week and chaired by Deputy Prime Minister, Prof. Dr Kikeo Khaykhamphithoune. “The Visit Laos Year 2024 campaign is important as it will bring tourists to Laos and encourage the creation of products that will broaden the scope of tourism and add value to products, as well as improve the quality of services in line with the requirements of target market groups,” Prof. Dr Kikeo said. “The programme will provide cultural activities and traditional festivals in central and local areas, as well as bolstering domestic tourism and inspiring more foreign tourists to visit Laos, which will generate more revenue for local communities,” he added. Also speaking at the meeting, Minister of Information, Culture and Tourism Mrs Suanesavanh Vignaket said the programme for Visit Laos Year 2024 would comprise 75 activities, with 14 being national activities and 61 to be carried out in various provinces. In preparation for these events, provincial authorities have made improvements at tourist attractions so as to meet international standards, while signage has been installed on roads that link to neighbouring countries and on roads to tourist attractions. Authorities have also improved visitor facilities and set up more outdoor activities such as hiking and climbing, as well as camp sites. They have also issued technical and safety certificates in relation to tourist activities such as ziplining, climbing, ballooning, paramotor trips and cruises, as well as improving access to tourist attractions. In addition, standards in conservation areas are being monitored and local residents are being encouraged to ensure standards are upheld, Mrs Suansavanh said. The Ministry of Information, Culture and Tourism is now in talks with individuals and provinces to decide
Laos and five other ASEAN member states attended a high-level gathering of air force delegations hosted by Myanmar on 12 September.
The 20th ASEAN Air Chiefs Conference (20th AACC), held in Nay Pyi Taw on 12 September, saw attendance by air force delegations from Brunei, Cambodia, Laos, Thailand, Vietnam, and Myanmar.
The Lao delegation was led by Brig. Gen. Khamlek Sengphachanh, representing the Lao People’s Liberation Army Air Force, according to NP Myanmar.
Two ASEAN member countries, Indonesia and Malaysia, chose not to participate in the annual conference, a decision that attracted attention due to the ongoing situation in Myanmar.
The decision not to attend the conference came after Myanmar faced widespread international condemnation for its airstrikes against pro-democracy forces and the ongoing violence in the country, which led to the destruction of public facilities and residential areas, as highlighted in a statement issued by ASEAN leaders after a summit last week.
Singapore and the Philippines opted to participate but chose to send their contributions via video messages rather than attending in person, indicating their reservations about engaging with Myanmar’s military-led government.
This divergence in participation reflects the complexities of ASEAN’s stance toward Myanmar. While the regional bloc has barred Myanmar from certain high-level meetings and summits in response to the political turmoil in the country, it continues to allow Myanmar’s involvement in other gatherings.
Meanwhile, Myanmar’s military government has been strengthening ties with Russia, which has provided it with fighter jets and training for military pilots.
The country sent multiple ministers to the Eastern Economic Forum in Vladivostok last week, which was also attended by Lao Vice President, Pany Yathotou, who met with Russian President Putin during the event.
Lao President Kicks Off Meeting with Brunei Sultan on 30th Anniversary of Diplomatic Relations
Sultan Haji Hassanal Bolkiah of Brunei is leading a high-ranking delegation on a state visit to Laos from 3 to 4 October to strengthen friendship and cooperation between the two countries on the 30th anniversary of diplomatic relations.
Deputy Prime Minister and Foreign Minister Saleumxay Kommasith welcomed the Brunei delegation at Wattay International Airport in Vientiane Capital on the evening of 2 October.
Today, President Thongloun Sisoulith and Sultan Haji Hassanal Bolkiah kicked off the first of two days of diplomatic meetings at the Presidential Palace.
As both parties expressed gratitude for the ongoing mutual support, the Lao president stressed his appreciation for Brunei’s assistance throughout the past three decades, especially in the fields of education and human resource development.
Minutes later, Sultan Haji Hassanal Bolkiah conveyed deep gratitude for the Lao government’s decision to award him the national gold medal in recognition of his contributions to the two countries’ enduring and steady assistance to Laos, as he reaffirmed his country’s support for Laos’ upcoming ASEAN chairmanship in 2024.
The two leaders further agreed to continue promoting economic cooperation, such as trade and investment, especially in sectors such as transportation, green agriculture, production of goods for export, energy, and eco-tourism.
To conclude the official gathering, President Thongloun and Sultan Haji Hassanal Bolkiah signed a joint statement on the Lao-Brunei strategic partnership.
This is Sultan Haji Hassanal Bolkiah’s third visit to Laos since the two countries established diplomatic relations on 27 July 1993.
source: https://laotiantimes.com/2023/10/03/lao-president-kicks-off-meeting-with-brunei-sultan-on-30th-anniversary-of-diplomatic-relations/
The date was agreed to at a national meeting convened to prepare for the launch of Visit Laos Year 2024, held in Vientiane last week and chaired by Deputy Prime Minister, Prof. Dr Kikeo Khaykhamphithoune.
“The Visit Laos Year 2024 campaign is important as it will bring tourists to Laos and encourage the creation of products that will broaden the scope of tourism and add value to products, as well as improve the quality of services in line with the requirements of target market groups,” Prof. Dr Kikeo said.
“The programme will provide cultural activities and traditional festivals in central and local areas, as well as bolstering domestic tourism and inspiring more foreign tourists to visit Laos, which will generate more revenue for local communities,” he added.
Also speaking at the meeting, Minister of Information, Culture and Tourism Mrs Suanesavanh Vignaket said the programme for Visit Laos Year 2024 would comprise 75 activities, with 14 being national activities and 61 to be carried out in various provinces.
In preparation for these events, provincial authorities have made improvements at tourist attractions so as to meet international standards, while signage has been installed on roads that link to neighbouring countries and on roads to tourist attractions.
Authorities have also improved visitor facilities and set up more outdoor activities such as hiking and climbing, as well as camp sites.
They have also issued technical and safety certificates in relation to tourist activities such as ziplining, climbing, ballooning, paramotor trips and cruises, as well as improving access to tourist attractions.
In addition, standards in conservation areas are being monitored and local residents are being encouraged to ensure standards are upheld, Mrs Suansavanh said.
The Ministry of Information, Culture and Tourism is now in talks with individuals and provinces to decide
source: https://www.vientianetimes.org.la/freefreenews/freecontent_Visit186_23.php
Laos Attends ASEAN Air Chiefs Conference Hosted by Myanmar
Laos and five other ASEAN member states attended a high-level gathering of air force delegations hosted by Myanmar on 12 September.
The 20th ASEAN Air Chiefs Conference (20th AACC), held in Nay Pyi Taw on 12 September, saw attendance by air force delegations from Brunei, Cambodia, Laos, Thailand, Vietnam, and Myanmar.
The Lao delegation was led by Brig. Gen. Khamlek Sengphachanh, representing the Lao People’s Liberation Army Air Force, according to NP Myanmar.
Two ASEAN member countries, Indonesia and Malaysia, chose not to participate in the annual conference, a decision that attracted attention due to the ongoing situation in Myanmar.
The decision not to attend the conference came after Myanmar faced widespread international condemnation for its airstrikes against pro-democracy forces and the ongoing violence in the country, which led to the destruction of public facilities and residential areas, as highlighted in a statement issued by ASEAN leaders after a summit last week.
Singapore and the Philippines opted to participate but chose to send their contributions via video messages rather than attending in person, indicating their reservations about engaging with Myanmar’s military-led government.
This divergence in participation reflects the complexities of ASEAN’s stance toward Myanmar. While the regional bloc has barred Myanmar from certain high-level meetings and summits in response to the political turmoil in the country, it continues to allow Myanmar’s involvement in other gatherings.
Meanwhile, Myanmar’s military government has been strengthening ties with Russia, which has provided it with fighter jets and training for military pilots.
The country sent multiple ministers to the Eastern Economic Forum in Vladivostok last week, which was also attended by Lao Vice President, Pany Yathotou, who met with Russian President Putin during the event.
source: https://laotiantimes.com/2023/09/15/laos-attends-asean-air-chiefs-conference-hosted-by-myanmar/