MFA Press Statement: Official Visit of the Prime Minister of the Lao People's Democratic Republic, His Excellency Dr Thongloun Sisoulith, 2 May 2017

    His Excellency Dr Thongloun Sisoulith, Prime Minister of the Lao People’s Democratic Republic, is in Singapore on an Official Visit at the invitation of Prime Minister Lee Hsien Loong.  On 2 May, Prime Minister Thongloun received a ceremonial welcome at the Istana and called on President Tony Tan Keng Yam, and Prime Minister Lee.  Prime Minister Lee will be hosting an Official Dinner in honour of Prime Minister Thongloun.

    During the call on President Tan, both leaders agreed that Singapore and Laos enjoy warm relations bolstered by growing economic ties as more Singapore companies explore business opportunities in Laos.  People-to-people links have also strengthened with more private institutions and Singapore student groups visiting Laos each year for exchanges.  President Tan also affirmed Singapore’s continued support for Laos’ development and capacity building.  

    Prime Minister Lee and Prime Minister Thongloun reaffirmed our long-standing bilateral relationship and discussed ways to broaden bilateral cooperation. The Prime Ministers agreed on the importance of enhancing air connectivity between Singapore and Laos to support the growing business and tourism links.  Regional connectivity will also promote further ASEAN integration and prosperity.  Both leaders also exchanged views on recent regional and international developments.

    Prime Minister Thongloun, who is accompanied by a business delegation, also gave a keynote speech at a luncheon hosted by the Singapore Chinese Chamber of Commerce & Industry (SCCCI) and IE Singapore.  Prime Minister Thongloun welcomed the increasing interest among Singapore companies to invest in Laos.  He also shared his views on strengthening business networks and collaboration with the Singapore and Lao businessmen.  At the forum, a Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) was signed between SCCCI and the Lao National Chamber of Commerce and Industry (LNCCI) to enhance business partnerships and promote investments between Laos and Singapore. 

    Prime Minister Thongloun also visited Nanyang Polytechnic (NYP), where he received a briefing on Singapore’s polytechnic education system.  Prime Minister Thongloun had attended a three-month long programme in NYP in 1998 when he was Chairman of the Commission of Foreign Affairs of the Lao PDR National Assembly.  Earlier in the day, Prime Minister Thongloun visited the National Orchid Garden where an orchid hybrid was named in his honour.

    In conjunction with Prime Minister Thongloun’s visit, Temasek Foundation International (TF Int’l) and ITE Education Services (ITEES) announced a capability development programme to enhance the skills competency of 60 hospitality trainers from Lao PDR, including in the areas of housekeeping, front office operations and restaurant operations. TF Int’l is funding the two-year programme which will commence in December 2017.

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MINISTRY OF FOREIGN AFFAIRS

SINGAPORE

2 MAY 2017