|
Laos, Indonesia to focus relations on trade and investment
Laos and Indonesia will enhance relations to focus on exploring the potential of both nations to cooperate on trade and investment.
 |
| Dr Thongloun Sisoulith ( left ) and Mr Marty Natalegawa sign an agreement to enhance relations and cooperation between Laos and Indonesia. |
Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Foreign Affairs Dr Thongloun Sisoulith paid an official visit to Indonesia to attend the Third Meeting of the Joint Commission on Cooperation between Laos and Indonesia from January 17-18.
The visit by Dr Thongloun, who is the Lao president of the joint commission, was in response to an invitation from Indonesian Foreign Minister Marty Natalegawa - the Indonesian president of the joint commission.
The joint commission meeting discussed and reviewed the implementation of projects under a memorandum of understanding signed by both sides in 2007, particularly in the areas of political stability, trade, investment and socio-culture.
The two leaders expressed their appreciation of the development of relations and cooperation between the two countries over the years, particularly the exchange visits by delegations at several levels.
In January 2010, Mr Marty Natalegawa visited Laos and in June of the same year Lao Minister of Agriculture and Forestry Sitaheng Rasphone visited Indonesia.
During the joint commission meeting, the leaders reaffirmed they would work closely to ensure more effective and efficient implementation of projects previously agreed on by the two sides. The Lao leader also presented a US$100,000 donation to Indonesian families affected by natural disasters in October.
Laos expressed support for Indonesia in assuming the Asean chair in 2011, when Indonesia will host several Asean meetings. Dr Thongloun thanked Indonesia for its assistance to development in the human resources and sport sectors. Indonesia also agreed to assist with Lao preparations for the SEA Games, to be held there this year.
During the meeting, the Lao side informed the Indonesian side that Laos will host the Asia-Europe meeting in 2012 in Vientiane, as well as Visit Laos Year in the same year, and the Indonesian side expressed support in helping Laos achieve these goals.
The two sides expressed a desire to reach further agreements relating to security, tourism, sport, air transport and education. The two sides will also work together in cooperation with other Asean nations to ensure the Asean Community is established in 2015.
Vientiane Times
|
