Lao, Cuban foreign ministries ink cooperation pact

The Ministries of Foreign Affairs of Laos and Cuba on Monday signed a cooperation agreement on future activities, aiming to strengthen the links between the two ministries. 
The agreement was signed by Laos’ Deputy Minister of Foreign Affairs Mr Bounleua Phandanouvong and Cuba’s First Deputy Minister of Foreign Affairs Mr Gerardo Penalver Portal, following a meeting between the two ministries to discuss cooperation from 2022-2025.

Mr Bounleua Phandanouvong (right) shakes hands with Mr Gerardo Penalver Portal after signing a cooperation agreement on Monday.

Mr Bounleua welcomed the three-day visit by his Cuban counterpart, which he said forged a closer relationship and enhanced cooperation, with the goal of pursuing the ideals of socialism and moving closer to success.
The meeting contributed to the strengthening of the longstanding relations between Laos and Cuba, and their greater effectiveness.
The two countries established diplomatic relations on November 4, 1974. The visit by the delegation from Cuba’s Ministry of Foreign Affairs from September 3-5 involved talks with Party and government leaders regarding cooperation in the fields of health, education, sports, economics and commerce, and cultural activities.
The two sides reviewed their past cooperation and discussed ways to improve and plan for joint projects in the future, to strengthen their partnership in development and diplomacy.
In particular, the two ministries hope to improve their ties in ways that are more effective and beneficial for their citizens.
They agreed to continue to assist each other in numerous fields and on the regional and international stages.
The two deputy ministers outlined socio-economic developments in their respective countries, and current events in the region and further afield, showing mutual understanding.
Following the meeting, the two sides signed a cooperation agreement between the two ministries for the period 2022 to 2025.
Mr Gerardo Penalver Portal and his officials also met Deputy Prime Minister Sonexay Siphandone and Chairman of the Party Central Committee’s External Relations Committee, Mr Thongsavanh Phomvihane.
The group visited the Xaysettha development zone, the Laos-Cuba Friendship Secondary School in Dongbang village, Xaythany district, the Kaysone Phomvihane Museum, and various places of historical interest.

By Times Reporters
 (Latest Update September 6, 2022)