Official Visit of His Excellency Sonexay Siphandone, Prime Minister of the Lao People’s Democratic Republic, 9 July 2024

His Excellency Sonexay Siphandone, Prime Minister of the Lao People’s Democratic Republic (Laos) made an Official Visit to Singapore on 9 July 2024.

          Prime Minister Sonexay received a ceremonial welcome at the Parliament House this morning. During his call on President Tharman Shanmugaratnam, theyreaffirmed the warm and longstanding relations between Singapore and Laos, as both countries commemorate the 50^th anniversary of the establishment of diplomatic relations this year. They noted economic complementarities between Singapore and Laos, and room to cooperate in areas such as renewable energy and education. They also exchanged views on ways to continue nurturing people-to-people ties, which are the foundation of bilateral cooperation.

          Prime Minister Sonexay met Prime Minister and Minister for Finance Lawrence Wong, who also hosted an Official Lunch in his honour. Both Prime Ministers affirmed the strong bilateral relations, underpinned by regular high-level visits and growing people-to-people ties. Prime Minister Wong noted the growing opportunities in Laos arising from developments in connectivity, renewable energy and technology, which would further strengthen Laos’ role in the international economy. In this regard, Prime Minister Wong and Prime Minister Sonexay discussed ways to strengthen cooperation in areas such as carbon credits, renewable energy, and capacity building. Prime Minister Wong also reaffirmed Singapore’s support for Laos’ ASEAN Chairmanship and its Chairmanship theme “Enhancing Connectivity and Resilience”. Prime Minister Wong and Prime Minister Sonexay agreed on the importance of upholding ASEAN Centrality and unity, and exchanged views to step up regional cooperation, including through the establishment of the ASEAN Power Grid and advancing the ASEAN Digital Economy Framework Agreement. Prime Minister Wong and Prime Minister Sonexay witnessed the signing of Memoranda of Understanding between Singapore and Laos in the areas of carbon credits and education cooperation.

          Prime Minister Sonexay also met Senior Minister Lee Hsien Loong. Theynoted the progress made in bilateral relations since their meeting on the sidelines of the 42^nd ASEAN Summit in 2023, and the good momentum of bilateral exchanges. They also exchanged views on regional and international developments.

          A new orchid hybrid, Dendrobium Sonexay Siphandone, was named in Prime Minister Sonexay’s honour.

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MINISTRY OF FOREIGN AFFAIRS

SINGAPORE

9 JULY 2024

Lao Prime Minister Sonexay Siphandone calls on President Tharman Shanmugaratnam, 9 July 2024.

Photo Credit: Ministry of Digital Development and Information

Lao Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Foreign Affairs Saleumxay Kommasith (left) and Lao Prime Minister Sonexay Siphandone (second from left) speaking with President Tharman Shanmugaratnam and Manpower Minister Tan See Leng, 9 July 2024.

Photo Credit: Ministry of Digital Development and Information