MFA Press Statement: Introductory visit of Minister for Foreign Affairs and Minister for Law K Shanmugam to the Lao People’s Democratic Republic, 27-28 March 2012

Minister for Foreign Affairs and Minister for Law K Shanmugam called on Lao Prime Minister Thongsing Thammavong during his introductory visit to Laos (Photo: MFA)

Minister for Foreign Affairs and Minister for Law K Shanmugam called on Deputy Prime Minister and Minister for Foreign Affairs Dr Thongloun Sisoulith during his introductory visit to Laos (Photo: MFA)

Minister for Foreign Affairs and Minister for Law K Shanmugam called on, and was hosted to lunch by, Lao Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Foreign Affairs Dr. Thongloun Sisoulith on 28 March 2012. Both leaders noted the excellent state of bilateral relations, and discussed regional and international developments, including the hosting of the 9th Asia-Europe Meeting (ASEM) Summit by Laos in Vientiane in November this year. DPM and Foreign Minister Dr Thongloun spoke about Laos’ development priorities, and expressed appreciation for Singapore’s assistance in Laos’ capacity building efforts, especially in the field of human resource development. Both leaders also witnessed an MOU signing between Singapore-based charity Animal Concerns Research and Education Society (ACRES) and the Lao Zoo to establish a Bear and Wildlife Protection Programme in Laos.

During the visit, Minister Shanmugam also called on Lao Prime Minister Thongsing Thammavong. Prime Minister Thongsing and Minister Shanmugam re-affirmed the strong ties between Singapore and Laos and discussed ways to further enhance bilateral cooperation. They also exchanged views on issues of mutual interest including the importance of ASEAN achieving its community building targets.

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MINISTRY OF FOREIGN AFFAIRS

SINGAPORE

28 MARCH 2012