Official Visit by Prime Minister of the Lao People’s Democratic Republic His Excellency Thongsing Thammavong, 20 to 21 February 2014

Prime Minister of the Lao People’s Democratic Republic (Lao PDR) His Excellency Thongsing Thammavong called on President Tony Tan Keng Yam and Prime Minister Lee Hsien Loong at the Istana this morning, and was hosted to lunch by Prime Minister Lee.

During the call on President Tan, President Tan and Prime Minister Thongsing reaffirmed the warm bilateral ties as both countries celebrate the 40th anniversary of diplomatic relations this year. Noting the growing people-to-people linkages between our countries, President Tan and Prime Minister Thongsing also encouraged the deepening of bilateral economic relations. The signing of the Agreement on the Avoidance of Double Taxation and the Prevention of Fiscal Evasion with Respect to Taxes on Income (DTA) would facilitate greater trade and business linkages. President Tan and Prime Minister Thongsing also acknowledged that it was important for both countries to work closely together towards the goal of establishing an ASEAN Community by 2015.

During his meeting with Prime Minister Lee, Prime Minister Thongsing expressed appreciation for Singapore’s assistance in building up Lao PDR’s human resource capacity. Prime Minister Lee said that the Singapore Cooperation Programme has played a key role in facilitating greater bilateral exchanges, and Singapore remained committed to helping Lao PDR in its human resource development. Both leaders also noted the increasing pace of ASEAN integration, and reaffirmed their commitment to work together to ensure that ASEAN remained at the centre of regional economic cooperation.

Following their meeting, both Prime Ministers witnessed the signing of the DTA, and a Memorandum of Understanding on Collaboration in the Field of Technical and Vocational Education and Training between the Institute of Technical Education Education Services and the Lao Youth Union. Later that afternoon, Prime Minister Thongsing visited the National Orchid Garden, where an orchid hybrid “Dendrobium Thongsing Thammavong” was named in his honour. Prime Minister Thongsing departs Singapore this evening.
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MINISTRY OF FOREIGN AFFAIRS
SINGAPORE
21 FEBRUARY 2014