KUALA LUMPUR: Malaysia and Laos will further enhance cooperation particularly in politics, security, diplomacy, foreign affairs and defence, said Laos Prime Minister Dr Sonexay Siphandone.
He said both Malaysia and Laos, in a meeting between himself and Prime Minister Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim, also discussed strengthening their bilateral relationship and exchanged views on regional and international matters of mutual interest.
"The two sides reaffirmed longstanding mutual assistance and support, based on respect for sovereignty, equality and mutual benefit," he said.
The joint press conference, which was broadcast live on Anwar's official Facebook account, was held after both leaders held a bilateral meeting.
Siphandone said both countries agreed for their ministries and government bodies to continue implementing agreements and decisions made in the past to ensure fruitful outcomes.
Among others, both of them agreed to work together in cooperation for the Laos Tourism Year 2024, and to continue to conduct regular visits at all levels to exchange best practices and engage in discussions.
"We also want to further encourage efforts and intensify two-way investments and trade by promoting the exchange between the national chamber of industry and commerce of Laos and Malaysia in order to discuss ways to further facilitate business networking and increase Malaysia's investments in Laos."
He added that both nations had agreed to continue exploring potential areas of cooperation in areas such as renewable energy, industries, agriculture and tourism, while further connecting the people of both countries through intensifying transport connectivity.
"The two sides also agreed to further promote rail transport connectivity to facilitate greater goods transport, and to work together in education, socio-cultural and public health, as well as provide support and assistance in human resource development and technical cooperation," he said.
Both leaders exchanged views on Laos's preparation for the Asean chairmanship in 2024, and expressed their concern on conflicts and situations across many parts of the world.
He expressed his commitment to continue working closely with Anwar through bilateral and multilateral cooperation frameworks, as well as with all members of Asean.
"This is with the aim of further advancing the friendly bilateral relations and robust cooperation to ensure tangible benefits for our people for many years to come, and to contribute to the collective pursuit in the maintenance and promotion of peace, stability, and development cooperation," added Siphandone.
Source: https://www.nst.com.my/news/nation/2023/06/924709/malaysia-and-laos-enhance-cooperation-various-fields