Prime Minister Sonexay Siphandone (right) shakes hands with the President of the European Council, Charles Michel, during the meeting.

Laos, EU strengthen cooperation in key areas
 
The President of European Council reaffirmed the EU’s commitment to continue supporting Lao socio-economic development.

Prime Minister Sonexay Siphandone met with the President of the European Union, Charles Michel, during a Laos-EU bilateral meeting on Wednesday at the National Convention Centre, held on the sidelines of the 19th East Asia Summit in Vientiane from October 9-12.
 
President Michel praised Laos for its successful ASEAN presidency and reaffirmed the EU’s commitment to supporting the country’s socio-economic development. Key areas of focus include integration and connection, trade and investment, and green growth initiatives.
 
Prime Minister Sonexay welcomed President Michel’s first official visit to Laos, emphasising its significance in strengthening the long-standing friendship between the two partners. This is particularly notable as both parties prepare to celebrate 50 years of diplomatic relations in 2025, marking the enduring partnership established on November 21, 1975.
 
The two leaders highlighted the steady growth of bilateral relations, with regular exchanges across multiple sectors such as economic development, trade, investment, environmental protection, and tourism.
 
Prime Minister Sonexay expressed deep appreciation for the EU’s continued support in advancing Laos’ socio-economic goals, particularly in rural development and poverty alleviation, assisting Laos’ efforts to overcome underdevelopment and achieve the UN’s Sustainable Development Goals by 2030.
 
The discussion also expanded to ASEAN-EU relations, underscoring shared interests in regional and international issues. Both leaders expressed optimism for continued collaboration that will benefit not only Laos but also the broader Southeast Asian region.

By Times Reporters
 (Latest Update October 10, 2024)