Philippines and Lao PDR Highlight ASEAN Centrality in 2nd Bilateral Meeting

Secretary Enrique A. Manalo and Laos’ Foreign Minister, Mr. Saleumxay Kommasith, concluded the 2nd JCBC with a handshake to reaffirm commitment to ASEAN and in strengthening the bilateral relations between the Philippines and Lao PDR.

MANILA 09 AUGUST 2023 – Secretary for Foreign Affairs Enrique A. Manalo assured Lao Foreign Minister Saleumxay Kommasith of the Philippines’ full support to the latter’s ASEAN Chairship in 2024 during the 2nd Philippines-Lao PDR Joint Commission on Bilateral Cooperation (JCBC) held on 03-04 August in Vientiane, Lao PDR.  Both Ministers reaffirmed ASEAN’s centrality in addressing various issues and challenges that the ASEAN faces. 

Secretary Manalo and Foreign Minister Saleumxay had meaningful exchanges on the current state of Philippines-Lao PDR relations. Aside from discussing existing areas of cooperation, such as security and defense, health, gender and women development, and trade and investment, the two Ministers expressed confidence that the close relations between the two countries will be further bolstered through new areas of collaboration, such as in renewable energy, technology and communication, tourism, education and sports, and disaster management. The Foreign Ministers also discussed the possibility of direct flights between the Philippines and Laos to further boost trade, investments and tourism between the two countries.

During the visit, Secretary Manalo delivered a speech on PH-Lao relations in a forum jointly organized by the Institute of Foreign Affairs and the Foreign Service Institute.  The forum was attended by Lao officials, academe, and members of the diplomatic corps. 

Secretary Manalo also met with leaders of the Filipino community in Lao PDR at the Philippine Embassy in Vientiane. Roughly 2,000 Filipinos stay in Laos PDR where majority of them work in the education and the hospitality sectors. 

The visit to Laos concluded with a call on Prime Minister Sonexay Siphandone, who expressed his appreciation and thanks to the Philippines for the enduring partnership that it has with Lao PDR. The Prime Minister looked forward to increased exchanges between the two countries.

The Philippines and Lao PDR established relations in 1955 and will celebrate their 70th anniversary of diplomatic relations in 2025. END