Russian President Vladimir Putin guides President Thongloun Sisoulith to his seat at the table.      --Photo MOFA

Lao, Russian presidents hold talks on bilateral ties

Visiting President Thongloun Sisoulith and his Russian counterpart Vladimir Putin have hailed the growing healthy Lao-Russian relations, agreeing to work together to further enhance their partnership.

During talks held at the Kremlin on May 9, the Lao leader reminded his host about the successful implementation of many provisions under the Treaty on Amity, which Laos and Russia signed 30 years ago.
“We have now reached a period favouring the further development of our bilateral relations and friendship,” President Thongloun said in a translated statement posted on the Kremlin’s website.
“In this connection, I would like to propose that we continue our cooperation and [implement] various proposals in this sphere.”
As the two nations marked the 30th anniversary of the treaty, President Putin noted that Russia and Laos last year witnessed an increase in two-way trade and economic relations, even if this has been quite modest so far, with a 12 percent increase. Cooperation in other areas is also growing.
“We have been expanding our defence and security cooperation too,” President Putin said.
“Our two countries have been maintaining scientific and humanitarian ties. We are grateful to you, Mr President, and all of your colleagues for supporting Russian language studies,” he added.
President Thongloun and his delegation, in response to an invitation from President Putin, paid a working visit to Russia on May 8-10, during which the Lao leader attended the Victory Day parade in Moscow.
Calling the Lao leader a dear friend, President Putin said “We are delighted to see you in Moscow, especially on the occasion of Victory Day, marking the victory by the Soviet people in the Great Patriotic War.”

The Russian leader expressed gratitude to Laos for handing over T-34 tanks to Russia, saying they were symbols of victory for Russia.
“Of course, this is instrumental in terms of being able to show them to the public and raising awareness among young people. Thank you very much,” President Putin said.
In addition, President Putin noted that both countries have been effective and proactive in working together on the international stage, including within the framework of the United Nations.
He added that fostering a strategic partnership with the Association of Southeast Asian Nations “is a major foreign policy priority for us. ASEAN has substantially expanded the agenda in dealing with our joint efforts after Laos assumed the chairmanship.”
Referring to President Putin as a comrade, the Lao president thanked his host for inviting him to attend the 79th anniversary of the Great Victory.
“The parade today was very nice. I liked attending this parade very much,” President Thongloun said.
He also congratulated his Russian counterpart on winning the presidential election with the majority of votes, as well as on the successful inauguration ceremony held on May 7.
Mr Thongloun told President Putin that he would visit St Petersburg and his alma mater, the Russian State Teachers’ Training University, where he had studied.
“I am certain that your visit to Russia will yield tangible results, and will be useful,” President Putin said.
During his visit to Russia, President Thongloun, who is Secretary General of the Lao People’s Revolutionary Party’s Central Committee, also held talks with the Chairman of the United Russia Political Party, Dmitry Medvedev, the Lao Ministry of Foreign Affairs said in a press release.

By Souksakhone Vaenkeo
 (Latest Update May 13, 2024)