President U Min Aung Hlaing received a delegation led by H.E. Mr. Thongsavan PHO-MVIHANE, Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Foreign Affairs of the Lao People's Democratic Republic, during a courtesy call at the Presidential Palace in Nay Pyi Taw on June 12.
The President welcomed the delegation led by the Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Foreign Affairs of the Lao People's Democratic Republic, noting that official visits by special envoys and foreign ministers from ASEAN member states and neighboring countries since he assumed office reflect their interest in gaining a better understanding of Myanmar’s political developments and in exploring opportunities to further strengthen Myanmar-ASEAN relations. He stated that the current government was formed through the will of the people and the election of representatives in Parliament, and emphasized that ASEAN member states and regional countries should take into account the aspirations of both the voters who supported the government and their elected representatives. The President added that the government has prioritized efforts to achieve domestic peace since taking office and will continue working toward lasting peace over the next five years. He stressed that sustainable peace is essential for ensuring national stability, security, and development.
The President expressed gratitude to the Lao government for sending a special delegation to attend his inauguration ceremony and for the congratulatory message conveyed by the President of the Lao People's Democratic Republic following his election. He highlighted the longstanding ties between Myanmar and Laos, describing the two countries as close neighbors, trusted friends, and brotherly nations. He added that the visit by the Lao Deputy Prime Minister and Foreign Minister would further enhance the friendship, mutual trust, and cooperation between the two countries.
The Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Foreign Affairs of the Lao People's Democratic Republic expressed his appreciation for the opportunity to meet with the President and stated that he was honored to lead the delegation on the visit. He noted that the visit would further strengthen the friendship and longstanding relations between Laos and Myanmar. He conveyed the greetings and best wishes of the President of the Lao People's Democratic Republic to President U Min Aung Hlaing, emphasizing that the two countries are close neighbors that share cultural similarities and have enjoyed more than 70 years of friendly relations. The Lao Deputy Prime Minister also congratulated Myanmar on the successful holding of its multi-party democratic general election and President U Min Aung Hlaing on his election as President. He extended an invitation for the President to pay a state visit to Laos, expressing confidence that such a visit would further enhance bilateral ties and contribute to stronger cooperation within ASEAN. He added that the Lao government firmly supports the elected government of Myanmar in carrying out its national responsibilities and expressed satisfaction and pride in undertaking the official visit to Myanmar.
During the meeting, the two sides held cordial and constructive discussions on further strengthening the longstanding friendship and cooperation between Myanmar and Laos, which have continued to develop positively over the years. They exchanged views on expanding collaboration in the political, economic, education, health, cultural, and trade sectors, as well as promoting mutual visits by leaders of the two countries. They also discussed enhancing bilateral trade through the Myanmar-Laos Friendship Bridge, deepening people-to-people exchanges, and strengthening cooperation across various sectors to further advance bilateral relations and contribute to closer engagement with regional countries and ASEAN member states. The discussions also covered Myanmar’s cooperation within ASEAN, efforts to achieve meaningful outcomes through the implementation of the ASEAN Five-Point Consensus, Myanmar’s continued progress on the path toward a multiparty democratic system, and the elected government's efforts to achieve lasting peace and national development. In addition, the Lao side expressed its understanding of Myanmar’s political developments and current situation, while both sides discussed ways to address common challenges through mutual support and cooperation.
The meeting was attended by Union Minister for the President’s Office U Khin Maung Yi, Union Minister for Foreign Affairs U Tin Maung Swe, and other senior officials from Myanmar. The Lao delegation included H.E. Mr. Bounphieng CHANTHA-VONG, Ambassador of the Lao People's Democratic Republic to Myanmar, along with accompanying delegation members.
