Events

7 Feb 2024

Belarus, Laos mark 30 years of diplomatic relations

An archive photo

MINSK, 7 February (BelTA) – Belarusian Minister of Foreign Affairs Sergei Aleinik and Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Foreign Affairs of the Lao People's Democratic Republic Saleumxay Kommasith have exchanged messages of greetings on the occasion of the 30th anniversary of diplomatic relations between the countries, BelTA learned from the press service of the Belarusian Ministry of Foreign Affairs.

“Friendly relations have linked Belarus and Laos since the times of the USSR. The relations between the countries have strengthened despite geographical remoteness, differences in culture, customs and language, as well as ongoing changes in global and regional dimensions,” the ministry said.

A significant impetus to the interaction was given in the 2010s by mutual visits of the foreign ministers. Laos President Choummaly Sayasone paid an official visit to Belarus in July 2013.

Thongloun Sisoulith, incumbent President of the Lao People's Democratic Republic, paid official visits to Minsk twice, when he was deputy prime minister and minister of foreign affairs. Belarusian foreign ministers Sergei Martynov and Vladimir Makei were in the Lao capital Vientiane in 2012 and 2014, respectively.

During the visits, a number of important documents were signed in various areas of bilateral cooperation, which made it possible to significantly expand the legal framework. The necessary mechanisms of institutional interaction were launched, including the work of the Belarusian-Lao intergovernmental joint commission on bilateral cooperation in February 2014 and political consultations at the level of deputy foreign ministers in August 2015.

In January 2023, the Laos-Belarus Friendship Society was established by the decision of the Central Committee of the Lao People's Revolutionary Party.

The countries maintain regular high-level contact, including on international platforms. Their interaction in the UN, ASEAN and other international organizations is friendly and trustworthy.

“The economies of Belarus and Laos mutually complement each other. The parties demonstrate readiness to convert the high-level political dialogue into increased interaction in trade and economic, cultural, scientific and educational sectors,” the ministry said.

On the occasion of the 30th anniversary of diplomatic relations between the two countries, the Belarusian Communications and Informatization Ministry together with the publishing center Marka of Belpochta and the Belarusian Embassy in Vietnam prepared a commemorative postal project.