Kuala Lumpur: President Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr. and Lao Prime Minister Sonexay Siphandone have pledged to enhance their collaboration in key areas such as trade, education, defense, and digital innovation, as the Philippines and Laos celebrated 70 years of diplomatic relations. This commitment was made during a bilateral meeting on the sidelines of the 46th ASEAN Summit.
According to Philippines News Agency, both leaders expressed their intent to elevate their partnership amid regional efforts for greater connectivity, resilience, and economic growth. In commemoration of the milestone, President Marcos shared on social media about their agreement to strengthen cooperation in various sectors and unite for peace and development in the region.
Marcos and Siphandone identified strategic sectors for further collaboration, including agriculture, skills development, tourism, and emerging areas like artificial intelligence and digital technology. President Marcos emphasized the potential of expanded trade ties, noting Laos' rapid economic growth. Trade between the two countries has nearly doubled over five years, increasing from USD7 million in 2019 to around USD13.72 million in 2024.
President Marcos expressed a desire to fortify relations across multiple facets, including trade, defense, and people-to-people exchanges. He also proposed the idea of direct flights between Manila and Vientiane to boost tourism and strengthen ties.
Prime Minister Siphandone praised the contributions of the Filipino community in Laos, particularly in education, research, and architecture. He acknowledged the support provided by the Philippine government in offering scholarships and language training for Lao ministries and welcomed more Filipino investments in Laos' priority sectors, especially clean energy, advanced technology, health services, and infrastructure.
The Laotian leader also extended a formal invitation for President Marcos to undertake an official state visit to Laos, marking a forward-looking agenda for deeper and broader cooperation in the future.
