Laos, Timor-Leste agree to bolster ties, cooperation

The presidents of Laos and Timor-Leste have agreed to strengthen bilateral ties and cooperation in sectors in which the two countries have potential for economic development, such as agriculture, energy, services and tourism, and investment in other areas.

President Thongloun Sisoulith (right)​ on Thursday shakes hands​ with​ the President of Timor-Leste, Dr Jose Ramos-Horta, during his state visit to Laos.

The agreement was made during a state visit to Laos by the President of Timor-Leste, Dr Jose Ramos-Horta, and his delegation from February 27 to March 2, at the invitation of President Thongloun Sisoulith. 
​The two sides agreed to establish a Joint Commission on Bilateral Cooperation between Laos and Timor-Leste as a mechanism to promote cooperation as well as monitor and actuate the implementation of agreements made between the two governments to ensure they are executed efficiently and productively.
President Thongloun congratulated Timor-Leste on becoming the 166th member of the World Trade Organisation and expressed the hope that Laos and Timor-Leste would work closely to foster trade cooperation.​
The two presidents said they highly valued the friendship and cooperation between their two countries, which has been strengthened through reciprocal visits by government leaders. ​​
President Thongloun reaffirmed Laos' position on supporting Timor-Leste and promised to share the lessons learned by Laos as Timor-Leste prepares to become a full member of ASEAN.
President Ramos-Horta reiterated Timor-Leste's support for Laos' chairmanship of ASEAN this year, and respect for the consensus and centrality of ASEAN, including agreements made among ASEAN leaders in past years.
The two sides also exchanged views on regional and international issues of mutual interest and were in unanimous agreement on the need to fulfil the goals of the ASEAN cooperation framework.
President Ramos-Horta thanked President Thongloun and the Lao government and people for their warm hospitality and expressed his appreciation of Laos’ achievements in development and in building a nation that enjoys political stability and social order.
The two presidents witnessed the signing of an agreement on economic, trade and technical cooperation between Laos and Timor-Leste by Laos’ Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Foreign Affairs, Mr Saleumxay Kommasith, and Timor-Leste’s Minister of Foreign Affairs and Cooperation, Mr Bendito dos Santos Freitas. Another agreement was also signed to revise one made earlier between the two countries in 2013.
Representatives of the two governments also signed Letters of Intent regarding the exchange of land to build embassies representing Laos and Timor-Leste in each of the two countries. 
On the same day, Dr Ramos-Horta also met with Prime Minister Sonexay Siphandone at the Prime Minister’s Office. He was also scheduled to  visit the National University of Laos, where he will give a speech to students on his plans to promote relations and cooperation between Timor-Leste and Laos.
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By Times Reporters​
 (Latest Update March 1, 2024)