PM Lawrence Wong (right) greets PM Sonexay Siphandone in Singapore. --Photo Ministry of Foreign Affairs

Laos, Singapore broaden ties in education, carbon credit

Prime Minister Dr Sonexay Siphandone and his host Singaporean counterpart Lawrence Wong agreed on Tuesday to cement ties and expand cooperation in education and carbon credit.
The Lao premier led a high-level delegation on an official one-day visit to Singapore in response to an invitation from PM Wong to enhance the friendly relations and cooperation between Laos and Singapore, the Lao Ministry of Foreign Affairs said in a statement.
It is Dr Sonexay’s first official visit to the country since he assumed the premiership in December 2022. It also marks the 50th anniversary of the establishment of diplomatic relations between Singapore and Laos.
Shortly after an official welcome ceremony, the two prime ministers held talks and agreed to work together to push for the fulfilment of cooperation projects agreed to by both governments.

Minister of Education and Sports, Associate Prof. Dr Phout Simmalavong (left), and his Singaporean counterpart shake hands after signing a Memorandum of Understanding on cooperation in education.	Minister of Natural Resources and Environment Mrs Bounkham Vorachit (left) and her Singaporean counterpart sign a Memorandum of Understanding on carbon credit cooperation, witnessed by PM Lawrence Wong and PM Sonexay Siphandone.

The two heads of government also witnessed the signing of Memorandums of Understanding on cooperation in the field of education and on collaboration under Article 6 of the Paris Agreement, which is related to carbon credit cooperation.
The two prime ministers pledged joint efforts to fulfil cooperation projects in the field of politics, economics, trade and investment, particularly trade in clean energy, including transnational trade in electricity.
They also agreed to cooperate on renewable energy, rare-earth minerals, agriculture for food security, health and tourism.
The value of two-way trade between Laos and Singapore totals US$182.5 million so far this year, with investment by Singaporean businesses in 83 projects currently amounting to US$362 million.
In regional affairs, the premiers will work together to strengthen ASEAN community building and support Laos as the chair of ASEAN this year.
On behalf of the government and people of Laos, PM Sonexay expressed heartfelt gratitude for the cooperation, assistance and support extended by the government and people of Singapore to Laos. Singapore’s assistance covers various fields including human resource development and capacity building. PM Sonexay also thanked his counterpart for Singapore’s support for Laos’ chairmanship of ASEAN.
The Lao PM congratulated Premier Wong on being appointed as the fourth Prime Minister of Singapore in May and expressed his readiness to work with Mr Wong to deepen and elevate Laos-Singapore ties to new heights.
During their talks, they reviewed the growing ties and cooperation between Laos and Singapore over past years, with the two countries providing mutual support in the regional and international arenas. They also informed each other about ongoing developments in their respective countries.
The two prime ministers launched a special logo to mark the 50th anniversary of the establishment of diplomatic ties.
PM Wong hosted a lavish lunch for the Lao PM and his delegation. 
During his visit, PM Sonexay also called on President Tharman Shanmurgaratnum, and former Prime Minister Lee Hsien Loong, who is currently Senior Minister of Singapore.

By Times Reporters
 (Latest Update July 10, 2024)