President U Min Aung Hlaing will pay a state friendship visit to Laos from 3–5 July at the invitation of Lao President Thongloun Sisoulith, according to The Star.

The Lao Ministry of Foreign Affairs said the visit marks the 70th anniversary of diplomatic relations between the two countries, which were established in 1955. It is expected to further strengthen their longstanding friendship, good neighbourly ties and bilateral cooperation.

During the visit, President U Min Aung Hlaing is scheduled to hold talks with Lao leaders and take part in activities commemorating the diplomatic milestone.

The trip follows the official visit to Myanmar by Lao Deputy Prime Minister and Foreign Minister Thongsavanh Phomvihane in June, during which both sides discussed expanding cooperation in politics, trade, education, healthcare, culture and other sectors, as well as enhancing regional collaboration within Association of Southeast Asian Nations. The Lao side also formally delivered President Thongloun Sisoulith’s invitation for the state visit.