Official Visit by Minister for Foreign Affairs Dr Vivian Balakrishnan to Lao People's Democratic Republic, 26 to 29 January 2024

Minister for Foreign Affairs Dr Vivian Balakrishnan will make an Official Visit to Lao People’s Democratic Republic (Lao PDR), from 26 to 29 January 2024 at the invitation of Lao Deputy Prime Minister (DPM) and Minister of Foreign Affairs Saleumxay Kommasith. Minister Balakrishnan will meet senior Lao leaders in Vientiane from 26 to 27 January 2024, and participate in the ASEAN Foreign Ministers’ Retreat in Luang Prabang from 28 to 29 January 2024.

Minister Balakrishnan’s visit kicks off the commemoration of the 50th anniversary of the establishment of diplomatic relations between Singapore and Lao PDR. During his visit, Minister Balakrishnan will call on Prime Minister Sonexay Siphandone, meet DPM Saleumxay Kommasith and Lao People’s Revolutionary Party External Relations Committee Head Thongsavanh Phomvihane. They will discuss ways to strengthen bilateral and regional cooperation, including in emerging areas such as renewable energy and carbon credits.

Minister Balakrishnan will also engage Singaporeans in Vientiane and host a reception for Lao alumni of the Singapore Cooperation Programme (SCP). Singapore and Laos have a shared emphasis on human capital development. Since the SCP’s inception in 1992, more than 16,000 Lao officials have attended SCP programmes.

The ASEAN Foreign Ministers’ Retreat is the first high-level meeting of Laos’ 2024 ASEAN Chairmanship under the theme “ASEAN Matters: Enhancing Connectivity and Resilience”. The Foreign Ministers will discuss ASEAN’s priorities for the year, including how to deepen integration in the digital and sustainability spheres, and working with our external partners to maintain an open, inclusive and stable regional order. They will also exchange views on regional and international issues.

Minister Balakrishnan will be accompanied by Mrs Joy Balakrishnan and officials from the Ministry of Foreign Affairs.

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MINISTRY OF FOREIGN AFFAIRS
SINGAPORE
25 JANUARY 2024