Thai Foreign Minister Discusses Bilateral Relations with Laotian Vice Foreign Minister

On July 19, 2023, Mr. Sarun Charoensuwan, Permanent Secretary for Foreign Affairs of Thailand, held a bilateral meeting with Mr. Thongphane Savanphet, Vice Minister of Foreign Affairs of Lao PDR, on the occasion of the latter’s visit to Thailand. Also attending the meeting was Ms. Morakot Sriswasdi, Ambassador of Thailand to the Lao PDRand Mr. Khamphan Anlavan, Lao PDR Ambassador to Thailand.

Both sides stressed the importance of the longstanding friendship and close neighborliness between the two countries in promoting their common interests. They also discussed ways to further strengthen relations between Thailand and Lao PDR, following the elevation of their bilateral ties to a “Strategic Partnership for Sustainable Growth and Development” last year.

ASEAN-United States, an evolving strategic partnership

Similarly, they agreed to maintain regular high-level engagements and work even more closely in areas that bring tangible benefits to their peoples, such as security in border areas, the fight against drug trafficking, transport connectivity, and the development of cross-border road and rail infrastructure.

Both sides stressed the importance of the long friendship and close neighborliness between the two countries to promote their common interests.

Both sides also exchanged views on regional issues and agreed to coordinate their positions and collaborate even more closely to navigate the changing regional and international landscape. Taking this opportunity, the Thai side expressed its full support for Lao PDR’s ASEAN presidency in 2024.