Latest news with #Siphandone
The Sun
27-05-2025
- Business
- The Sun
Philippines deepens regional ties with Vietnam, Laos through expanded partnerships
KUALA LUMPUR: The Philippines is strengthening regional ties with Vietnam and Laos, as President Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr. held separate bilateral meetings with their leaders on the sidelines of the 46th ASEAN Summit in Malaysia on Monday, Philippines News Agency (PNA) reported. In his meeting with Vietnamese Prime Minister Pham Minh Chinh, Marcos said the two countries are discussing the possibility of elevating their strategic partnership to a comprehensive strategic partnership. 'Our ministers are in discussion on the possibility of elevating the strategic partnership to a comprehensive strategic partnership. I believe there are already productive conversations between our two countries,' Marcos said, as quoted in a Malacanang news release. Pham acknowledged the progress in bilateral relations since Marcos' state visit to Vietnam in January 2024 and expressed hope that the partnership can be further elevated. Both leaders also discussed enhanced cooperation in trade, agriculture, food security, tourism, education, and cultural exchanges. Marcos extended his condolences over the recent passing of former Vietnamese President Tran Duc Luong. In a separate bilateral meeting, Marcos and Lao Prime Minister Sonexay Siphandone reaffirmed their commitment to strengthen cooperation as the Philippines and Laos mark 70 years of diplomatic relations. The two leaders identified key sectors for deeper collaboration, including trade, education, defense, digital innovation, agriculture, skills development and tourism. Marcos also underscored the potential of expanding trade ties, noting Laos' rapid economic growth. Trade between the two countries has nearly doubled, from US$7 million in 2019 to approximately US$13.72 million in 2024. He raised the idea of establishing direct flights between Manila and Vientiane to further boost tourism and connectivity. Siphandone commended the Filipino community in Laos -- over 2,000 strong -- for their contributions in education, research and architecture. He also thanked the Philippine government for supporting Lao ministries through scholarships and language training. He welcomed increased Filipino investments in Laos' priority sectors, including clean energy, advanced technology, health services, and infrastructure. Siphandone extended a formal invitation for Marcos to undertake a state visit to Laos, signalling a forward-looking agenda for broader cooperation in the years ahead.
New Straits Times
25-05-2025
- Business
- New Straits Times
Laos PM visits KTMB headquarters
Bernama KUALA LUMPUR: Laos Prime Minister Sonexay Siphandone today visited the Keretapi Tanah Melayu Bhd (KTMB) headquarters here, in conjunction with his three-day official visit to Malaysia. Siphandone and his wife Vandara Siphandone, arrived at the headquarters at 3pm and were welcomed by Transport Minister Anthony Loke Siew Fook. The approximately one-and-a-half-hour visit began with a brief welcome speech by Loke, followed by a briefing by KTMB Group chief executive officer Datuk Mohd Rani Hisham Samsudin on the company's structure and operations, as well as its cooperation with the Lao National Railway State Enterprise. The prime minister was also given a short briefing on the Asean Express train service and a demonstration of the digital ticket purchasing process. Siphandone arrived at the Kuala Lumpur International Airport's Bunga Raya Complex at 9.05am today to commence his official visit to Malaysia ahead of the 46th Asean Summit and Related Meetings here. Wisma Putra said this marks Siphandone's first official visit to Malaysia since his appointment as prime minister of Laos in December 2022. – Bernama
Barnama
25-05-2025
- Politics
- Barnama
Spouse Of Lao PM Enjoys Lake Cruise In Putrajaya
GENERAL PUTRAJAYA, May 25 (Bernama) -- Vandara Siphadone, spouse of Lao Prime Minister Sonexay Siphandone, went on a cruise around Putrajaya Lake here today. Arriving at 10.30 am, she was warmly welcomed by Datuk Seri Dr Wan Azizah Wan Ismail, the wife of Prime Minister Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim. Vandara spent about 45 minutes in friendly conversation with Dr Wan Azizah while admiring the iconic buildings surrounding the national administrative centre. She also took the opportunity to view intricately carved wooden wall decorations featuring hibiscus motifs, crafted by artisans from Kraftangan Malaysia. Siphandone and his wife arrived in Putrajaya today on his first official visit to Malaysia ahead of the 46th ASEAN Summit and Related Meetings in Kuala Lumpur. The special aircraft carrying Siphandone, Vandara and the Lao delegation landed at Kuala Lumpur International Airport's Bunga Raya Complex at 9.05 am, where they were greeted by Entrepreneur and Cooperatives Development Minister Datuk Ewon Benedick. Upon arrival, Siphandone inspected a guard of honour comprising 28 officers and members of the First Battalion Royal Ranger Regiment, led by Captain J Lingesri Rao. According to Wisma Putra, this marks Siphandone's first official visit to Malaysia since his appointment as Prime Minister of Laos in December 2022. The official visit coincides with the 46th ASEAN Summit, the 2nd ASEAN-GCC Summit and the ASEAN-GCC-China Summit, scheduled to take place at the Kuala Lumpur Convention Centre on May 26 and 27, which reflect the strong and enduring relationship between Malaysia and Laos.
The Star
25-05-2025
- Politics
- The Star
Malaysia, Laos reaffirm support for Timor-Leste's Asean bid
PUTRAJAYA: Malaysia and Laos have reiterated their strong support for Timor-Leste's full Asean membership and called for intensified, inclusive efforts to address Myanmar's prolonged crisis. Prime Minister Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim said both countries agreed that it was time to finalise Timor-Leste's accession process. "We also discussed the accession of Timor-Leste, hopefully by October this year if we can retain a consensus in this meeting tomorrow, particularly during the following retreat,' he said in a joint press conference with the Prime Minister of Laos, Sonexay Siphandone, at the Perdana Putra Complex here Sunday (May 25). Earlier, Anwar and Siphandone witnessed the exchange of a Memorandum of Cooperation (MoC) between Penang Port Sdn Bhd (PPSB) and Thanaleng Dry Port (TDP). The exchange was represented by MMC Port Holdings Sdn Bhd (MMC Ports) chief executive officer (CEO) Datuk Azman Shah Mohd Yusof and PTL Holding Co Ltd CEO Chanthone Sitthixay. On the situation in Myanmar, Anwar said the matter was also raised during his discussion with Siphandone. "We did discuss too, concerning Myanmar, the need to continue humanitarian assistance, but also the need for all parties in Myanmar to respect the need for peace, immediate ceasefire and then to try and work through the Asean mechanism and understanding, using the five-point consensus among Asean countries," he said. Siphandone arrived in Malaysia today to begin his first official visit ahead of the 46th Asean Summit and Related Meetings in Kuala Lumpur. He was then accorded an official welcoming ceremony by the Prime Minister at the Perdana Putra Complex, followed by a bilateral meeting. Wisma Putra, in a statement, said this is Siphandone's first visit to Malaysia since being elected as Prime Minister of Laos in December 2022. The visit, ahead of the 46th Asean Summit, the second Asean-GCC Summit and the Asean-GCC-China Summit on May 26 and 27 in Malaysia's capital, underscores the strong and enduring ties between Malaysia and Laos. The 46th Asean Summit, being held under Malaysia's 2025 Chairmanship theme, "Inclusivity and Sustainability", also marks Malaysia's fifth time chairing the regional bloc since its previous chairmanships in 1977, 1997, 2005 and 2015. In 2024, total bilateral trade between Malaysia and Laos reached RM99.7mil (US$21.9mil), with Malaysia's exports valued at RM67.8mil (USD14.9 million) and imports totalling RM31.9mil (US$7mil). Malaysia is the 5th largest foreign investor in Laos, with total investments worth US$942mil across 46 registered projects, focusing on sectors such as renewable energy, transport and logistics, telecommunication, construction, banking and hotel services. - Bernama
![[UPDATED] Malaysia backs fast-tracking second phase of Asean power grid](/_next/image?url=https%3A%2F%2Fassets.nst.com.my%2Fimages%2Farticles%2FBN052506800_1748149211.jpg&w=3840&q=100)
New Straits Times
25-05-2025
- Business
- New Straits Times
[UPDATED] Malaysia backs fast-tracking second phase of Asean power grid
KUALA LUMPUR: Prime Minister Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim has backed the fast-tracking of the second phase of the Asean Power Grid (APG), which aims to connect Laos, Cambodia and Thailand to Peninsular Malaysia and Singapore. "I agree with Prime Minister Sonexay Siphandone that we should fast track the second phase to benefit Laos, Cambodia and Thailand into northern Malaya and Singapore," Anwar said, adding that the issue will be raised at the upcoming Asean Leaders' Retreat. Anwar said this after holding a bilateral meeting with Siphandone. The prime minister outlined other key initiatives discussed with his counterpart, including the Perlis Inland Port and Thanaleng Dry Port in Laos, which he said were progressing well and would be operational this year. "We're expanding the facility and have signed a memorandum of understanding with Penang Port, ensuring that the flow of goods from Penang into Perlis and to the inland port in Thanaleng showcases a very important collaboration," Anwar added. He also highlighted discussions on cooperation on port management, labour, digital development, artificial intelligence, semiconductor industries, rare earth and alternative energy. This includes expanding the KTMB-LNRSE Memorandum of Collaboration on the Asean Express train project, which aims to shorten travel time between member countries and China. Anwar said he and his counterpart also discussed Timor-Leste's accession to Asean, which may take place by October, pending consensus from member states in the upcoming days. Additionally, the two leaders discussed issues concerning Myanmar and the importance of continued humanitarian assistance, and called on all parties to respect the need for peace and a ceasefire, emphasising Asean's Five-Point Consensus. Finally, Anwar confirmed plans for future working visits by the Laos prime minister to further boost bilateral ties and private sector collaboration. This morning, Siphandone and his delegation were given an official welcome by Anwar and senior Malaysian officials at Perdana Putra. His visit preceded the 46th Asean Summit, the 2nd Asean-Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC) Summit and the Asean-GCC-China Summit in Kuala Lumpur.
