Laos, Australia elevate ties to comprehensive partnership

Melbourne, Australia: Australian Prime Minister Anthony Albanese and the Prime Minister of the Lao People’s Democratic Republic, Dr Sonexay Siphandone, this week signed an agreement elevating ties between Australia and Laos to a Comprehensive Partnership.
The signing between the two prime ministers took place in Melbourne, Australia. 

Australian Prime Minister Anthony Albanese (right) and Lao Prime Minister Dr Sonexay Siphandone shake hands after signing an agreement to elevate the two countries’ partnership.

“This milestone Comprehensive Partnership reflects our commitment to bring Australia and Laos even closer together,” Prime Minister Albanese said.
Australia is proud to be one of Laos’ longest-standing partners, a relationship built on mutual respect, understanding and close cooperation.
According to a press release from Australia’s Ministry of Affairs, the Australia-Laos Comprehensive Partnership will drive bilateral cooperation across four pillars that reflect shared priorities for the future, namely People, education and human resource development; Economics, trade and investment; Climate, environment and energy; and Defence and law enforcement.
Australia’s Southeast Asia Economic Strategy to 2040 identifies agriculture and food, resources and green energy as key areas of opportunity for Australian business in Laos.
The Comprehensive Partnership will also support Laos to maximise sustainable development in these sectors.
Prime Minister Albanese also announced that Australia has committed A$3 million to Monash University’s World Mosquito Programme to assist in the elimination of dengue fever in Laos.
The programme will fund research and allow Australia to share world-class knowledge and resources to manage the spread of dengue fever in Laos.
Laos and Australia have had a good relationship for more than 70 years since the first Lao scholar came to Australia to study under an Australian scholarship.
Cooperation began in the 1950s, a partnership which the two countries have enhanced and cherished. Cooperation has expanded in several areas agreed to by the two countries and now includes foreign policy, education, infrastructure, security, health, economics, and development.

By Phon Thikeo
 (Latest Update March 7, 2024)