Latest news with #Thongloun
The Star
14 hours ago
- Politics
- The Star
Laos President commends Malaysian Chief Justice's visit to deepen judicial ties
- Photo: Laos News Agency VIENTIANE: (Bernama-KPL) President of Laos, Thongloun Sisoulith, on Wednesday (June 4) expressed his appreciation for the leadership of Chief Justice of Malaysia, Tun Tengku Maimun Tuan Mat, in visiting Laos, underscoring the visit's significance in deepening bilateral cooperation, particularly in the judicial sector. According to the Laos News Agency (KPL), Tengku Maimun is on an official visit to the country from Tuesday (June 3) until Friday (June 6). Thongloun noted that this exchange contributes meaningfully to strengthening ties between the two nations and fosters long-term support, mutual assistance, and the sharing of judicial experiences. The President also voiced strong support for ongoing collaboration between the judicial bodies of Laos and Malaysia and emphasised the Laos' commitment to nurturing its longstanding relations with Malaysia, an important Asean partner with a shared history of cooperation. He highlighted 2026 as a milestone year, marking the 60th anniversary of diplomatic relations between the two countries. Tengku Maimun thanked President Thongloun for the warm welcome and outlined the objectives of her visit. She said the trip aims to enhance judicial cooperation among Asean countries and to support Laos in its preparations to establish the Laos Lawyers' Association, which is a step towards seeking membership in the Asean Law Association. - Bernama-KPL
The Star
6 days ago
- Business
- The Star
Laos President, Japan PM pledge stronger links as two nations mark 70-year ties
Japanese Prime Minister Shigeru Ishiba (right) welcomes Lao President Thongloun Sisoulith at a Japan-Laos summit held at the Prime Minister's Office of Japan in Tokyo on May 29. - Photo: Prime Minister's Office of Japan. TOKYO: Visiting President Thongloun Sisoulith and Japanese Prime Minister Shigeru Ishiba have agreed to deepen ties as Laos and Japan this year celebrate 70 years of diplomatic relations and 60 years of Japanese volunteer missions to Laos. The two leaders pledged to deepen ties during a bilateral meeting held in Tokyo on Thursday (May 29) on the sidelines of the 30th International Conference on the Future of Asia, hosted by Nikkei Inc. The Lao President also delivered a speech at the conference. Welcoming President Thongloun to Japan, Prime Minister Ishiba expressed 'his intention to further develop the bilateral cooperation by realising the Comprehensive Strategic Partnership', the Prime Minister's Office of Japan said on its website. PM Ishiba said Japan would continue to support Laos' efforts to strengthen its economic resilience and stabilise its public finances for autonomous and quality economic development. At the same time, President Thongloun announced that starting on June 1, 2025, Laos will extend the visa-free stay period for holders of ordinary Japanese passports from 15 days to 30 days to enhance people-to-people and cultural links. President Thongloun and PM Ishiba reflected on the elevation of Lao-Japanese relations to a Comprehensive Strategic Partnership following Lao Prime Minister Sonexay Siphandone's official visit to Japan in January. They pledged to intensify collaboration in areas of mutual interest, particularly by promoting Japanese investment in key sectors in Laos. The two leaders agreed to accelerate efforts towards the early conclusion of a tax convention, with a view to further enhancing investment and economic ties between the two countries. They also declared their intention to advance cooperation in the fields of energy and decarbonisation under the Asia Zero Emission Community (AZEC) initiative. President Thongloun said 'he was pleased with the development of bilateral relations in a wide range of areas,' the Prime Minister's Office of Japan said. It was also noted that Japanese volunteers have made a significant contribution to Laos' development. To date, more than 1,100 Japanese volunteers and 4,500 experts have served in Laos, assisting their Lao counterparts in areas such as legal reform, justice, and public service. The leaders also expressed their pleasure at the upcoming official visit to Laos by Her Imperial Highness, Princess Aiko, in November, calling it a significant milestone for future bilateral engagement. President Thongloun expressed his appreciation for the warm hospitality extended to himself and his delegation and thanked Japan for its continued support for Laos' socio-economic development. Japan's assistance extends to development of the East-West Economic Corridor, clearance of unexploded ordnance (UXO), disaster preparedness, and humanitarian assistance. The two leaders also exchanged views on key regional and international advancements and underscored their shared commitment to peace, prosperity, and inclusive development in the Asia-Pacific region. - Vientiane Times/ANN
Nikkei Asia
7 days ago
- Business
- Nikkei Asia
Laos calls for 'Asia solidarity' amid Trump tariffs
TOKYO -- Laos President Thongloun Sisoulith said on Friday that Asia's strength lies in its ability to come together as one in times of difficulty, as uncertainty surrounding U.S. tariffs shows no signs of ending. When competition in the global trading system "leans toward protectionism, it disrupts the global equilibrium and heightens tensions," Thongloun said at Nikkei's annual Future of Asia forum on Friday. This "will lead to increased risk of armed conflict and tension," he said.
The Star
03-05-2025
- Politics
- The Star
Lao President attends historic 50th reunification anniversary of Vietnam
HO CHI MINH CITY: Secretary General of the Lao People's Revolutionary Party Central Committee and President of Laos, Thongloun Sisoulith, led a Lao delegation joining Vietnamese leaders and thousands of other participants at a national ceremony and parade held in Ho Chi Minh City on Wednesday (April 30). The historic event took place to mark the 50th anniversary of the Liberation of the South and National Reunification and was jointly organised by the Vietnamese Party Central Committee, National Assembly, the President, the Government, the Vietnam Fatherland Front Central Committee, and Ho Chi Minh City authorities. The event was attended by representatives of numerous countries, a large contingent of Vietnamese and foreign media personnel, and the general public, with a large-scale parade of military personnel adding a dramatic touch to the grandiose spectacle. Prior to the ceremony, President Thongloun met with Vietnamese Prime Minister Pham Minh Chinh on April 29 when he recalled the significance of the historic Ho Chi Minh Campaign in 1975. During the meeting, Prime Minister Pham Minh Chinh expressed his profound gratitude to the Lao Party, state, and people for their wholehearted support to the Vietnamese people, both during the past struggle for national independence and in ongoing efforts towards national construction and development. He reaffirmed Vietnam's strong and comprehensive support for Laos in its efforts to bolster national defence, construction, reform, and development. The two leaders expressed satisfaction with the growing relationship between Laos and Vietnam, highlighting the significant progress made in various fields in recent times, which has laid a solid foundation for both countries to confidently advance into a new era of national development. President Thongloun noted that the Spring 1975 victory was not only a glorious chapter in Vietnam's history but also a pivotal moment for Laos, adding that the ceremony was an opportunity for both nations to remember their shared revolutionary past and reinforce their enduring alliance and unity. The visit to Vietnam by President Thongloun and his delegation served as a powerful reaffirmation of the Laos–Vietnam bond, laying the groundwork for continued collaboration and mutual development in the years ahead. The presence of the Lao President at the celebrations was a powerful testament to the enduring solidarity between the Lao and Vietnamese people. The President and his delegation were warmly welcomed by Vietnamese leaders, reflecting the longstanding friendship and mutual respect between the two countries. During his visit, President Thongloun also held high-level talks with the General Secretary of the Communist Party of Vietnam, To Lam. The meeting took place in a spirit of camaraderie and solidarity, underscoring the strong political trust between the two Parties and states. The leaders exchanged views on current global and regional developments, reviewed progress in bilateral cooperation, and charted the course for future collaboration across key sectors including defence, security, foreign policy, trade, education and culture. President Thongloun also presented medals of honour to Vietnamese leaders and former senior officials on behalf of the Lao Party and government. The awards recognised their invaluable contributions to fostering the special friendship and comprehensive cooperation between the two nations. Another highlight of the President's visit was the inauguration of Wharf No. 3 at the Lao-Viet International Seaport on the Vietnamese coast, which President Thongloun described as a significant political event and a vivid symbol of the enduring partnership between Laos and Vietnam. He observed that the port is a strategic project that has the potential to further strengthen economic integration and cooperation between the two countries. President Thongloun reaffirmed Laos's unwavering commitment to preserving and nurturing the unique relationship with Vietnam. He stressed the importance of continued coordination between the two governments and the effective implementation of high-level agreements, bilateral treaties, and cooperative programmes, and called on ministries, agencies, and local governments in both countries to actively contribute to these efforts. - Vientiane Times
The Star
26-04-2025
- Business
- The Star
Vietnamese President's state visit to Laos strengthens deep-rooted friendship, economic ties
VIENTIANE: A formal and dignified welcome ceremony took place in Vientiane on Thursday (April 24) to mark the start of a two-day state visit on April 24-25 by the President of Vietnam. President Luong Cuong is visiting Laos at the invitation of the Secretary General of the Lao People's Revolutionary Party Central Committee and President of Laos, Thongloun Sisoulith, with the aim of further enhancing the great friendship, special solidarity, and comprehensive cooperation between the two countries. Upon his arrival at Wattay International Airport, the Vietnamese President was warmly welcomed by Minister and Head of Office of the Presidential Office, Khemmani Pholsena, together with senior government officials from Laos and Vietnam. President Luong Cuong was then accompanied by President Thongloun to inspect a guard of honour at the Presidential Office. Following the ceremony, the two leaders met for talks, with President Thongloun offering a warm welcome and congratulating his Vietnamese counterpart on his election as the President of Vietnam. He expressed deep appreciation for the visit by President Luong Cuong, who is making his first visit to Laos in his role as head of state. President Thongloun said the visit was a significant contribution to deepening the great friendship, special solidarity, and multifaceted cooperation between the parties, governments, and peoples of Laos and Vietnam. The two Presidents held candid and fraternal discussions, exchanging views on socio-economic developments in their respective countries and commending the successes achieved by both nations. They reviewed past cooperation and outlined strategic priorities for the future, agreeing that bilateral relations have continued to grow robustly across all sectors over the past year, including political cooperation, defence, and foreign affairs, as well as economic and trade ties. Secretary General of the Lao People's Revolutionary Party Central Committee and President of Laos, Thongloun Sisoulith (right), on Thursday welcomes the President of Vietnam, Luong Cuong. - Photo: Vientiane Times/ANN Other fields of cooperation include technology, education, health, culture, sports, tourism, mass organisations, and people-to-people links. The two leaders emphasised the importance of fulfilling high-level agreements and strategic joint projects, particularly those boosting economic connectivity to support regional integration and future growth. They also exchanged views on regional and international issues of mutual interest. President Thongloun thanked Vietnam for its profound solidarity with Laos following the passing of former President Khamtay Siphandone, a revered revolutionary leader and close friend of Vietnam. He also acknowledged Vietnam's invaluable assistance in Laos' long struggle for liberation and current nation-building efforts. The Vietnamese President expressed his appreciation for the warm hospitality extended to him and reaffirmed Vietnam's commitment to deepening the 'great friendship, special solidarity, and comprehensive cooperation' between the two nations. Subsequently, the two Presidents witnessed the signing of three key documents, namely a Letter of Intent on Vietnam's assistance in building the headquarters of Laos' Border Military Command, a 2025 Cooperation Plan between the two countries' Ministries of Justice, and a Memorandum of Understanding on cooperation between Attapeu province and Gia Lai province in Vietnam from 2025-2030. The two leaders also witnessed the handover of an amended investment licence to Xekhaman 3 Hydropower Company Limited. President Luong Cuong is also scheduled to meet the President of the National Assembly, Dr Xaysomphone Phomvihane, Prime Minister Sonexay Siphandone, and other Lao government leaders. In addition, the Vietnamese delegation will attend a Laos–Vietnam friendship gathering, pay tribute to former Lao leaders, lay a wreath at the Unknown Soldiers Monument, tour the Kaysone Phomvihane Museum, and visit the President Souphanouvong Memorial. The visit by the Vietnamese President reaffirms the unwavering commitment of both nations to strengthen their enduring partnership and foster mutual development and prosperity. - Vientiane Times/ANN
